KUCHING: Hope Place Kuching has extended assistance to a single mother who is struggling to support her young daughter while starting over in life.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) said that it recently received a call for help from Tiong Mui Eng, 38, who lives with her three-year-old daughter and her mother at Taman Desa Ilmu here.
Tiong previously worked at a factory in Johor but was forced to return to Kuching following a personal setback.
She has since found employment at a daycare centre, marking the beginning of a new chapter for her small family.
However, the transition has not been easy.
“I’m so lucky to have found a job so quickly, but there are still so many things I need to settle. I don’t want to burden my mother,” she told Hope Place.
Earning below the minimum wage, Tiong’s monthly expenses continue to outweigh her income.
She enrolled her daughter, Elia, in the same day-care centre where she works, which costs RM700 per month.
With no car or driving licence, she relies on e-hailing services to commute daily, spending an additional RM300 monthly on transport.
“My transport already costs me about RM300 per month. Everything is so expensive,” she said.
Tiong’s mother, already caring for three other young grandchildren including a baby, is unable to look after Elia, leaving Tiong with no choice but to bring her along to work.
Moved by her situation, Hope Place has begun providing basic food aid and milk powder for little Elia.
“We will continue supporting Tiong until she and her daughter can stand on their own feet financially,” the NGO said in a statement.
Hope Place, also known as Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK), continues to appeal for public support to help families and individuals in need around Kuching.
Those who wish to contribute can reach Hope Place at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
Donations can be made directly to its Maybank account (MBB: 511289001160) or via its Sarawak Pay/S PAY Global QR code available on its Facebook page.
