Introduction

In a touching story of resilience and love, 62-year-old Ms. Dayang Noor works diligently to clean bean sprouts every day, earning a mere RM10 (approximately S$3) to support her nine grandchildren. This daily grind is particularly challenging for the widow, who suffers from diabetes and has undergone a toe amputation due to her condition.

Family Circumstances

After her son was imprisoned for a drug offense, Ms. Dayang stepped in to care for her grandchildren, whose ages range from five to 17. Tragically, they have never attended school because they lack birth certificates, leaving their futures uncertain. The situation took a drastic turn when her eldest grandson reached out for help, expressing their desperate need for a guardian after their mother left.

Ms. Dayang’s Journey

“It broke my heart when they pleaded for me to come. No grandmother would have the heart to ignore such a situation,” Ms. Dayang recounted, her voice filled with emotion. Despite her own struggles with mobility, she quickly journeyed from Penang to Johor to be with her grandchildren, settling into a cramped two-room rented home devoid of luxuries like a television or sofa.

Living Conditions and Challenges

Originally from Sabah and a mother of 13, Ms. Dayang previously worked as a sweeper. Now, she dedicates herself to cleaning bean sprouts, saving half of her earnings to cover rent and utility bills, which total RM650 monthly. However, she expresses gratitude for her kind landlord who allows her extra time to meet her financial obligations.

Community Support

Beyond her immediate family, Ms. Dayang’s other children have their own responsibilities and contribute whenever they can. Despite the burdens she carries, Ms. Dayang is unsure why her grandchildren lack the essential birth documentation, stating, “Before taking them in, I rarely had the opportunity to talk to my son, and I do not know why they are stateless despite having Malaysian parents.”

Hope on the Horizon

On a hopeful note, a local non-governmental organization, Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Johor Baru, has stepped forward to assist. They are actively working to enroll Ms. Dayang’s grandchildren in school, aiming to provide them with a brighter future. Founder James Ho revealed that the NGO has been supplying groceries to the family for over a year, increasing their support from monthly to bi-monthly deliveries.

Conclusion

“We will also help them with rent so they can use their earnings for other needs,” Ho emphasized, highlighting the organization’s commitment to alleviate some of the family’s burdens. Ms. Dayang dreams of her grandchildren receiving an education, believing it will pave the way for a better life. Her story is a poignant reminder of the incredible sacrifices that love inspires and the importance of community support in overcoming hardship.