KUCHING: A widow struggling to make ends meet and keep her family together the last three years has reached out to Hope Place Kuching for help.
Jumratul Aini, 51, who lives in Kota Samarahan turned to the non-governmental organisation to request assistance for herself and her two school-going children.
Her husband, Zainuddin, passed away in 2022 after struggling with several health issues, including heart problems.
He was the sole breadwinner of the family, engaged in the oil and gas industry.
According to Hope Place Kuching, when they first met Jumratul, they were surprised to see her bloodshot and puffy eyes.
Upon inquiry, she told them that she does not get much sleep and only takes naps now and then.
But despite her challenges, Jumratul continues to do her best for her children, running a small business selling traditional kueh.
While most people are still asleep, she wakes up at midnight to start preparing her delicacies.
By 5.30am, she sends her children to school and then heads to Desa Ilmu to sell her kueh by the roadside. She usually closes her stall by 10am before returning home to do household chores and cook.
Jumratul proudly shared about her kueh business and her two children, aged 15 and 19, the eldest of whom hopes to further his studies after completing his STPM examinations.
However, she broke down in tears when speaking about her late husband.
“I lost my other half and now, I do not have anyone to depend on anymore. No one to share my feelings, burdens or a shoulder to cry on,” she said tearfully.
She expressed gratitude to her late husband, who had used his EPF savings to build their family home.
“This house is the only lasting memory left of him,” she added.
Earning only about RM30 to RM50 per day from her business, Jumratul is thankful to receive RM200 monthly from the Social Welfare Department for her children’s needs.
Hope Place Kuching is currently supporting the family with basic food aid and school supplies.
For more information, Hope Place or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can be reached at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
