Other News
October 06, 2009 10:17 AM
Nonagenarian Celebrates Hari Raya With 200 Descendents
By Khoo Hui Li
KUCHING, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- As for Paini Dempet, 93, the Hari Raya gathering since the last few years is the occasion where she gets to meet around 200 of her family members from five generations.
During this unusual family gathering, Paini observes closely the crowd consisting of her five children, 50 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren and the rest being the fourth and fifth generation. She hardly says anything to anyone except give a smile every now and then.
Paini's descendents consider the gathering during Hari Raya as some sort of family tradition, only this time it was more meaningful because they had the opportunity to celebrate her 93rd birthday, albeit ten days late, at her home in Kampung Haji Baki here.
Paini was born in Sept 16, 1916. She migrated with her family to Sarawak from Java in Indonesia in the early 1900s. She initially settled in Serian before moving to Kampung Haji Baki.
At the age of 16, Paini married Rai Jakim and the couple was blessed with eight children - five girls and three boys.
GATHERING TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY AND HARI RAYA
"I always look forward for Hari Raya because all my children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the fourth and fifth generation who are working or studying outstation would return to celebrate the occasion together.
"It is not easy to bring them together. This Aidilfitri was meaningful because I had the opportunity to celebrate my birthday with them," she said when met at her home.
Paini could only speak in the Javanese language and thus the conversation was translated by her great granddaughter, Norsafarina Sajom, 20, a student of Institut Kemajuan Islam Malaysia Sarawak.
SECRETS TO LONGEVITY
Following the death of her husband about 30 years ago, she earned a living through her services as the village midwife and masseur.
Now, Paini is survived by her remaining five children after her eldest, second and the youngest died.
Paini is still healthy and can walk without assistance. She is still able to carry out daily routines including prayers though she could no longer fast due to her advanced age and upon the doctor's advice.
Paini believes her longevity and good health is due to her diet of boiled vegetables and her habit of waking up early.
"I love boiled vegetables and rise early, and never forget to pray," she said.
SHE STILL STITCHES
Meanwhile, her surviving children claim that their mother's actual age is 98 because the eldest Semik Rai was born in 1927.
They said the discrepancy is probably because Paini's birth was registered late, and that is why according to available records she is 93 years old.
Now Paini spends much of her time stitching blankets that is known here as `selimut tampung seribu'.
Though she is nearing 100, Paini still uses her hands to stitch and wears no glasses.
-- BERNAMA
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