Man In Ipoh Built A House For His Homeless Neighbours In His Own Land
The 81-year-old had lost her home in a fire a couple of years ago.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 27 Jan 2017, 12:40 PM
It doesn't take much to spread kindness and help others - even the simplest of gestures have the potential to light up someone's life. An odd-job worker recently built a house, on his own land, for his elderly neighbour.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir speaking to Siew Eng during a visit to her house recently.
Image via Bernama via NSTR.Saravanan (not pictured), a 39-year-old odd-job worker who lives in Kampung Spynie, Setiawan, decided to build a 300 sq ft house for his Chinese neighbours, 81-year-old Siew Eng and her partially blind son, 55-year-old Ng Kem Leng recently.
The pair lost their house two years ago in a fire and has since been riddled with financial problems as they lost everything in the fire and have no other family members to turn to for help.
"I built the house for her since she has nowhere to go and she could not salvage anything during the incident. Every morning, I will bring her to the wet market to buy some fishes and vegetables," said Saravanan, as reported by NST today, 27 January.
Siew has expressed her sincere gratitude and thanks to Saravanan. "I didn't expect to be treated like this by Saravanan and his family. Although we are of different race and religion, he treats me just like his own mother."
According to NST, Siew also explained how Saravanan's whole family is always ready to lend a helping hand to her, share their food, and make sure that she and her son are taken care of.
"His family is helpful too and always share their food with us especially breakfast. I thought there are no longer any good people in this world, but I was wrong," added Siew.
As for Saravanan, kindness knows no boundaries of colours. He said that people must be treated with love and compassion regardless of their race or religion.
"I just want to help Siew who I call 'amma'. She is my mother, my 'amma'. I love her just like my own mother," said Saravanan, adding that he is very excited to celebrate Chinese New Year with the duo.
Chinese New Year falls on the 27 and 28 January this year.
Meanwhile, after being informed of Siew's situation, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, has informed that the state government will build a new house for her through Yayasan Bina Upaya (YBU)
The house is expected to be completed this year.
After spending time with Siew in the house built by Saravanan, Zambry was all praises for the Ipoh man. NST reported him as saying that Saravanan's "selfless act and generosity" is an example to all and shows true neighbourhood spirit.
Siew, on the other hand, was overcome with emotions with the pleasant surprise announced by the Menteri Besar.
"This is like the best Chinese New Year gift for me. I could never afford it and I know that by just saying thank you, it is not enough.
"I will finally get to stay in my own home but I will never forget what Saravanan's family has done for my family," expressed Siew.
