Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kasih Sayang Alam Damai is facing challenges with funding. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG/The Star
IN THE heart of Alam Damai in Cheras, Selangor, stands a double-storey house that is more than just a home for its 13 residents aged between 58 and 93.
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kasih Sayang Alam Damai, established in November 2021, provides shelter, hot meals and medical attention for its residents, many of whom have no other place to go.
Managed by 26-year-old Low Jun Kiat and co-founded with two friends who wished to be anonymous, the facility has been struggling with mounting operational expenses of late.
“My worries about paying the monthly rent and utility bills as well as the salary for our two full-time workers keep me up at night,” said Low.
Designed with the residents’ needs in mind, the home’s ground level is for those facing mobility challenges, including three disabled senior citizens, while the upper level is for residents who can move around independently.
“The residents are single senior citizens from Klang Valley, Perak and Terengganu who either have no relatives or whose children cannot care for them because of work commitments,” said Low.
He said it was increasingly difficult to cover the running cost of about RM22,000 per month. This includes rent, utilities and basic medical care for residents.
Low: My worries about paying the rent and bills keep me awake at night.
He added that the rental alone increased by 20% in May, going up to RM2,400.
The challenges become especially daunting at night, as many residents are not able to walk and Low is the only one available to assist them.
In order to provide additional comfort for the residents, the home has air-conditioning at night, resulting in utility bills exceeding RM1,000.
“Right now, we pay what we can, with priority being rent and utilities.
“However, sometimes we have to delay payments for a month because of other expenses,” said Low.
One such expense looming over the home is a kidney stone removal surgery for a resident, scheduled for August.
The surgery is estimated to cost around RM5,000, prompting the home to reach out to the public to raise funds.
Some of the residents at the home.
If unsuccessful, they will have no choice but to use their already tight budget, further delaying other necessary payments.
Low said the home’s emergency fund of RM5,000 meant to cover unexpected costs like clinic visits and funeral expenses had already been depleted.
In addition to the financial difficulties, there is a need for another worker to accompany the residents throughout the night as Low is presently the only one staying with them.
“If anyone is able and willing to help us, I encourage them to visit the home to have a better understanding of how they can support the elders,” he said.
“There are a number of ways to help them and it really depends on the individual.”
Despite the hardships, he remains committed to providing a comfortable and caring environment for the residents of the old folks home.
“We strive to keep the home running and are hopeful that the kindness and generosity of the public will help us,” he added.
Those interested in helping the home financially can call Low at 014-611 2253.
