KUCHING: An elderly trio living in hardship at Borneo Heights has been counting on each other for survival, with limited income and support.
A volunteer team from Hope Place Kuching visited the family and found them struggling financially, relying mainly on small-scale farming and occasional assistance from relatives and donors.
“I only earn around RM150 to RM200 a month from selling bananas and vegetables. It is not much, but we try our best,” said Patim Abeh.
Patim, 66, walks two hours through the jungle each morning to tend his banana trees, leaving home at dawn and returning around midday.
Besides cultivating bananas, he also gathers wild vegetables to sell within nearby villages, hoping to supplement his modest income and support his household.
His wife, Kueh, 75, once assisted him on the farm but is now unable to continue due to knee problems and high blood pressure.
Even daily household chores have become difficult for Kueh, who struggles with mobility and relies heavily on assistance within the home.
Kueh’s younger sister, Sikan, 61, has taken on most of the household responsibilities, ensuring meals are prepared and basic needs are met daily.
Despite their challenges, the trio maintains a strong bond, supporting one another emotionally while coping with their limited financial resources and physical constraints.
Patim’s son lives far away but visits during weekends, offering some financial help, although it remains insufficient to cover all their needs.
The family resides in a partially completed single-storey concrete house with unfinished walls, plywood coverings, and a leaking roof that worsens during heavy rain.
Their bathroom lacks a door, while the house has no proper ceiling, paint, or plastering, reflecting their inability to afford essential home improvements.
“We are grateful for any help we receive. Without support, it would be very difficult for us to continue living like this,” Patim added.
Hope Place is providing basic food aid to the family, highlighting the importance of consistent community support for vulnerable groups in Sarawak.
The organisation encourages public contributions, noting that donations can help improve living conditions and ensure families like Patim’s receive essential assistance and care.
