| Faza Suraj |
A GROUP of underprivileged families who are staying in three houses have expressed concern over their deteriorating living conditions.
They hope that someone could help them in fixing their homes because they worry for the safety of those who reside there.
Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) recently visited the families in the Belait District during a charity drive.
Siti Kumariah binti Sujangi, 38, who lives in a wooden house with her three children in Kampong Sungai Liang said her husband had passed away in December 2012 due to failure to recuperate from injuries sustained in a road accident.
“He had to go through three surgeries but due to his diabetic condition, it was difficult for him to heal,” said the Indonesian widow who has three children with the eldest currently studying in Year 10 at Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Secondary School in Kampong Lumut.
The widow said their roof leaks when it rains. “It was raining last night so we had to move aside as the water dripped on our mattress,” said Siti, adding that the house has been in that condition for more than five years.
She said the family receives $460 of support from the Community Development Department (JAPEM) but claimed that the amount was not sufficient, especially in supporting the children.
She said she does get help from time to time, especially in the maintenance of the house. “Our front porch was repaired by our neighbour and before that, we couldn’t even step on it because we’re afraid that it might collapse.”
She is a red Identity Card (IC) holder while her children have yellow ICs.
Siti Kumariah binti Sujangi and one of her children
Rosnah binti Yaakub. – PHOTOS: FAZA SURAJ
The Bulletin also visited a house belonging to Mohd Tamin bin Haji Ahmad in Sungai Bakong of Kampong Lumut where staff of BGC carried out a cleaning campaign.
According to the details provided by BGC, Mohd Tamin who has seven children works as a freelance grass cutter but does not receive a steady income. The family relies on the $260 monthly allowance given by the government.
The wife of Mohd Tamin, Rosnah binti Yaakub, 50, and Ahmad Aluddin bin Mohd Tamin, his son, said their home is old and is facing issues in its structure such as leaks and problems with electric supply.
“Two of my children also support the family as both work in the oil and gas industry,” said Rosnah, adding that her eldest daughter married a fisherman and even though there is support from her husband, it is still not sufficient.
Ahmad Aluddin who will be getting married in July expressed worry that he’ll not be able to provide how he used to especially when he has a family of his own to feed.
“I help support two of my younger siblings who are still studying in secondary school and it gets difficult as students require more than just books, pen and paper,” he said, adding that he applied for housing in the year 2012 and is still awaiting an answer.
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