SIBU: A plea for help from an elderly longhouse resident struggling with mobility has received an immediate response from Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan Branch, which provided a wheelchair to improve the woman’s independence and quality of life.
Branch Chairman, Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie, sprang into action to assist following an encounter during a community engagement programme held at Rumah John Dugol, Nanga Tutus, Batang Igan, near here recently, where Lau and his team met residents to hear firsthand the issues affecting the community.
The wheelchair was handed over to the beneficiary, Jelin Galau, 61, by Lau personally at the longhouse on Thursday (Aug. 6).
During the programme, Jelin approached Lau to explain the physical challenges she has been facing.
Suffering from persistent pain in her lower limbs and increasing difficulty walking, she said even routine tasks such as moving around her home or travelling elsewhere had become a daily struggle.
Upon learning of her circumstances, Lau, who is also SUPP Youth Chief, immediately instructed his team to arrange for a wheelchair.
He said community service extends beyond delivering infrastructure and development projects, stressing that elected representatives must also remain attentive to the everyday needs of the people they serve.
“Not every problem requires a large-scale solution. Sometimes, timely and practical assistance can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life,” he added.
“By listening to residents and understanding the challenges they face, we can respond in ways that genuinely improve their well-being.”
Lau added that his service team would continue visiting communities across the constituency to engage directly with residents, identify their concerns, and provide assistance wherever possible.
He noted that while a wheelchair may appear to be a modest form of support, it can make a profound difference by restoring mobility, enhancing independence and allowing recipients
