Senior Couple's 12-year Wait Ends With New Home Under "Rumah Kasih Ihsan" Project

KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 21  (Bernama) -- Seventy-eight-year-old Jaafar Mamat, 78, and his wife Meriam Mamat, 68, are overwhelmed and can only express their gratitude after receiving a new house under the Rumah Kasih Ihsan Project for the Building of New House Category in Kampung Nibung here.

Jaafar, a barber, said their dream of living in more comfortable conditions has finally come true after waiting more than 12 years.

Before this, he and six other family members, including a son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren, lived in a dilapidated wooden house that was on the verge of collapse.

"I have applied to renovate the old house with various government agencies since 2012, but have not received any response.

"Initially, I only applied to renovate the house, but officers from the Federal Development Department (JPP) informed us that we are eligible for a brand new house," he said at the handing over of the house key here today.

The symbolic presentation of the house key was conducted by officiated by Terengganu JPP Director Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdul Latif.

Meanwhile, Abdul Kahar said that 712 Kasih Ihsan housing projects have been approved, involving a total allocation of RM19.8 million since 2023 in Terengganu.

Of these, 144 houses have been completed, while another 74 are under construction.

"Every house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is hoped that these new homes will provide greater comfort and relief to more underprivileged families,” he said.

-- BERNAMA