MIRI: In a deeply moving encounter, the local Member of Parliament, Chiew Choon Man, recently met a mother of seven children whom he referred to as Kak Wati. Her life had taken a tumultuous turn due to overwhelming challenges.
Chiew realised that merely donating cash would not resolve Wati’s long-term struggles. In order to ensure a sustainable solution, he decided to empower her through entrepreneurship.
Chiew (right) takes Kak Wati shopping for two-month supply for her new business, plus food for her family
In a heartfelt Facebook post, he mentioned that Wati’s husband had cognitive disabilities, and her daily income barely reached RM20. With a significant portion of her husband’s aid from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) going towards paying their monthly rent of RM400, their financial struggles were apparent.
“The situation became dire when their rice supply ran out a week ago, and her husband’s health deteriorated, making it impossible for Kak Wati to work. Desperate for sustenance, she resorted to seeking chicken bones from local restaurants to cook a meager meal of ‘sup tulang,’ adding only onions and a pinch of salt.”
Chiew (left) give Kak Wati some cash to give an added boost.
“As night fell, Kak Wati ventured to the vicinity behind Imperial Mall, scavenging for leftovers once the mall had closed. On fortunate days, she could bring home scraps of meat to feed her children,” said Chiew.
Chiew mentioned that Wati’s plea of “What have I done wrong?” spoke volumes of her anguish, and at times, she contemplated ending her life to escape the unbearable suffering.
This was a situation that deeply touched Chiew’s heart, and he knew he had to step in to help. He asked her a simple question: “What is Kak Wati skilled at?” She replied, “Cooking ‘nasi lemak.'”
“Excellent!” Chiew exclaimed. He immediately took her out to obtain a two-month supply of ‘nasi lemak’ ingredients, spending nearly RM6,000, which included all the necessary cooking equipment, a rice cooker, a refrigerator, and much more. “Afterward, I extended an additional RM2,000 in cash,” he said.
Kak Wati’s small business needs support. Her stall is near the Sungai Baong Islamic Cemetery
Chiew added that Wati was astonished by the support and asked whether he was sure about the assistance. He reassured her, emphasising that their primary focus should be on her business, with other matters to be discussed later. He was committed to supporting her business venture, as failure was not an option.
“The following day, Kak Wati began her journey as a ‘nasi lemak’ vendor. She woke up at 5 am, diligently preparing the dish and its accompanying ‘sambal.’ After a few hours at her stall, Kak Wati managed to sell out her entire stock of ‘nasi lemak,’ earning an impressive RM250 in a single day, an amount she had never dreamt of making before,” said Chiew.
This heartwarming tale of compassion and empowerment exemplifies the spirit of Madani, said Chiew, transcending racial and ethnic boundaries.
“Regardless of Iban, Chinese, Malay, or any other ethnicity, I will care for everyone as if they were my own family. There is no one I will neglect.
By the way, those who want to support Kak Wati can find her stall near the Sungai Baong Islamic Cemetery.
