Grateful family: Tan (centre) and Wong learning more about Bah Juga, Alyka Harnata and Hezk Eneas in their new home at Kampung Sungai Bindu in Tapah. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
TAPAH: Here in the heart of the small Kampung Sungai Bindu where dreams often seem out of reach, an 11-year-old’s simple wish for her own room has come true.
For the first time, Alyka Harnata will be waking up in a space she can call her own, free from the worries of leaking roofs or putting up in cramped quarters.
“I’ve always wanted a room of my own so I can study in peace. My favourite subject is Mathematics. I want to focus on my studies and continue with my education,” said Alyka, her face lighting up with joy.
“It would be even better if my mother was still here with us,” she added wistfully.
Alyka’s mother died from a kidney disease three years ago. Now, she lives with her father Bah Juga Bahchem, 40, and her 16-year-old brother Hezk Eneas.
Despite her young age, Alyka is already shouldering the responsibility of cooking and caring for her family.
Bah Juga, a security guard at a school, earns RM1,500 per month.
Before receiving their new home, the Orang Asli family lived in a tiny, self-built wooden shack with only one fan to cool down.
Their new 550sq ft house has three bedrooms, enabling each family member to have their own space.
Bah Juga could not hide his relief, saying: “With our new home, we no longer have to worry about leaks or flooding when it rains. We can sleep peacefully at night.”
The joy of getting a new house was also felt by Bah Tian Bahtalin, 39, whose family will soon get a three-bedroom concrete house.
Once the electricity supply is connected, he said they would move into their new home.
“I’m a plantation helper. My monthly income is RM700 to RM800. We get money only when work is available,” Bah Tian said.
Together with his wife Emily Alang, 37, and their three children aged three, 12 and 16, they had previously lived in a small, wooden cabin which would get flooded on rainy days.
As such, the family has much needed security and stability in their new, solid brick house, he said.
Bah Tian expressed his gratitude to Yayasan My First Home (YMFH) for enabling his family to have better days ahead.
The foundation, which began in 2022 with a RM5mil capital injection from its chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, has provided downpayments, and legal and evaluation fees, among others, to this pioneer batch of recipients.
Tan said the foundation’s mission is to bring joy and transformation to underserved communities, starting with the Orang Asli.
“These homes signify more than just shelter; they represent security, stability and dignity for individuals and families.
“A safe and proper house is fundamental to a family’s well-being,” he said after presenting the new home to Bah Juga and Bah Tian at Kampung Sungai Bindu yesterday.
Tan also spoke about the need for corporations and well-off Malaysians to step in to help.
“By building houses for low-income people, we not only aid them in achieving home ownership but also support the government’s efforts.
“YMFH is dedicated to improving the lives of the Orang Asli through safe housing. We invite collaboration from stakeholders to support these impactful initiatives,” he said.
The foundation’s initiative to replace dilapidated bamboo structures with concrete houses has seen a huge demand with over 250 families and individuals seeking assistance.
Each house costs about RM60,000 to RM65,000 to build.
YMFH general manager Nambee Ashvin Nambiar said another 20 to 30 houses for the Orang Asli nationwide will be completed this year.
Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai said owning a house is challenging for the B40 group due to additional costs like legal fees and electricity bills.
“This initiative not only helps the government but also showcases how the private sector, including corporates, can contribute significantly,” he said.
