KUCHING: Hope Place Kuching has extended aid to a woman and her family as they struggle with financial difficulties.
In a statement by Hope Place on Monday (Jan 12), the non-governmental organisation visited Plamina Jantong, 27, after her case was referred by the Social Welfare Department.
The mother of three lives at Jalan Stephen Yong here with her husband Louis, 27, who works as a plumber earning minimum wage.
While Louis provides for the family, Plamina cares for their three children aged two, five and seven.
Her eldest son, Levianzander, seven, was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of three. According to Plamina, the boy is extremely hyperactive, requiring her to keep all doors in their apartment locked and secured at all times.
“He has frequent mood swings and will scream continuously when upset,” Plamina explained. She has found that allowing him to watch his favourite videos helps calm him down.
“Once he finds something he likes or finds interesting on the phone, he watches with full concentration.”
Plamina takes Levianzander to the Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PDK) approximately four days a week.
Meanwhile, her five-year-old attends kindergarten and her two-year-old requires constant supervision as an active toddler.
The family faces significant financial strain. Hope Place Kuching discovered that Plamina had been feeding her youngest child condensed milk instead of proper milk powder due to budget constraints. With rent, utility bills, school fees and other expenses, the family’s minimum wage income proves insufficient.
Plamina has recently applied for social welfare aid specifically for Levianzander’s needs. Hope Place Kuching is currently supporting the family with basic food aid and children’s milk powder as they navigate these challenges.
