Shelter residents in distress pending eviction

The Star, Saturday October 17, 2015 

by farah fazanna zulzaha

Rumah Caring is a home for the elderly, those with Down Syndrome, disabled and those suffering from depression.

RESIDENTS of Rumah Caring in Taman Muhibbah are fearful about their future as the home has received several eviction notices from the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj).

The first was issued in 2012 following complaints from a neighbour that the home’s residents were noisy.

To make matters worse, the council has rejected their plans to build a new home in Sungai Tangkas following protest from another group.

Rumah Caring founder Wendy Yap said the home would have to find a place to house the residents temporarily if MPKj forced them to leave.

“Otherwise, we will have to close the home,” she said, realising that charity organisations were not supposed to be located in a residential area.

“We are disappointed that our building plans for the new home in Sungai Tangkas have been rejected. Where else can we go?” asked Yap.

The home had bought the land in Sungai Tangkas for RM573,000 and planned to build a four-storey building so that they could help more needy people.

The new facility was supposed to house an old folk’s home, orphanage, office as well as recreational space.

The home currently has 23 residents, and Yap said she did not want to take in more people as she was unsure of the home’s future.

She is appealing for help to find a new place to build the home. She said Rumah Caring needed an area of about 20,000 to 30,000 sq ft.

To help, visit Persatuan Rumah Caring Kajang Selangor, 11, Jalan Muhibbah 7, Taman Muhibbah, Kajang, Selangor or call Yap at 012-238 0043.