KUCHING: An elderly couple facing health and financial challenges are receiving basic food assistance from Hope Place Kuching following a referral from a member of the public.
Lim Poh Min, 91, and his wife Moi, 81, have been living at a KMC flat here for many years, with the couple relying on welfare assistance and support from their family for daily necessities.
According to Hope Place, Lim is completely blind and has limited mobility after suffering a hip fracture last December.
He has also been diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, a condition involving blood clots in the lungs, and experiences muscle weakness which restricts his movement.
Lim, who developed glaucoma in his 30s and became completely blind at 68, now rarely leaves his apartment and spends much of his time in a medical bed.
“I have been a healthy man since young but I got glaucoma in my mid-30s. By the time I was 68, I became totally blind. Sometimes, life is unfair,” he said.
Despite his condition, Lim shared with Hope Place his experiences of working in various jobs since the age of 15, when he earned RM3 a month.
Throughout his working life, he had worked as a painter, barber and construction worker, as well as in precious metalwork.
His last job before losing his sight completely was selling fresh poultry at Petanak Market.
His wife, who is his primary caregiver, continues to manage the household and prepare their meals despite being in her 80s.
The couple have three children, with their eldest regularly visiting and helping to purchase household necessities.
Their youngest child lives in Limbang, while their second child has died.
Lim also receives RM600 in welfare assistance, which his daughter helps withdraw and uses to purchase groceries for the couple.
Hope Place said the couple also face social isolation due to their circumstances and Lim’s limited mobility.
The organisation has since enrolled the couple in its aid programme to provide regular basic food supplies.
Members of the public who wish to contribute or learn more about Hope Place can contact 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
Donations can also be made to Maybank account 511289001160 under Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching or via the S PAY GLOBAL QR code available on its official Facebook page.
