Stronger together: Kong (seated left), Janaki (on Kong’s left), Ramlah (standing second from right) and Ramesh (on Ramlah’s right) with other residents waving the Jalur Gemilang at Rumah Sejahtera.
REMBAU: M. Janaki, Ramlah Bulat and Kong Oi Khuen will be quick to debunk the saying that “two’s company, but three’s a crowd”.
That’s because the three of them have become fast friends despite meeting each other just a few years ago at Rumah Sejahtera here.
Together with 28 other homeless women, they have made the place, run by a non-governmental organisation, an example of how multiracial Malaysians can live under one roof with goodwill.
Wheelchair-bound Janaki, 78, said the residents are more like sisters despite being of different faiths.
“I have been living here for the past two years and feel so much at home.
“For example, whenever any one of us falls ill, there is always someone there looking into our needs, like giving us our medicine and making sure we have our meals,” said the former quality controller who never married.
Ramlah, who is a year younger than Janaki, said she loves helping out with the cooking and preparing meals for the residents.
“I am the most sought-after ikan bilis (anchovy) peeler here,” she smiled.
“I also take it upon myself to help the cook prepare vegetables and other ingredients.”
Ramlah, who walks with the aid of a cane, said: “My legs are no longer strong.”
A divorcee, she has been living at the home for 18 months now and has no wish to move elsewhere.
“I like it here as we get to do aerobics and other light exercises and celebrate occasions such as Malaysia Day,” she said, adding that she also enjoys getting visits from well-wishers who bring them food and other gifts during festivals or special occasions.
And who among them is helpful with the laundry?
Both Janaki and Ramlah quickly pointed to Kong.
“I am faster than the rest,” Kong, 68, explained.
Once the clothes are washed and dried, she would place them on the beds of her housemates.
“If they are not able to fold them, I would do it for them,” said Kong, who is single.
Rumah Sejahtera chairman Ramesh Patel, 64, said the home opens its doors to those abandoned by their loved ones or unable to provide for themselves.
“They are either sent here by hospitals after they were abandoned by their families, or sent here by the Welfare Department or non-governmental organisations.
“We give them hope so they will not feel alone in their twilight years,” he added.
The home, which opened in 1951, has a grant from the Welfare Department, besides depending on public donations.
Ramesh said every major festival would be celebrated at the home.
Citing an example, he said a team from the Rembau police station brought ketupat and lemang to mark the first day of Hari Raya with the residents this year.
“Similarly, a group of friends took the residents to the Royal Sungai Ujong Club in Seremban during Christmas where they had food and were given presents,” he said.
Other Good Samaritans would also hold potluck parties at the home, he added.
Ramesh said the residents would start their day with light exercises followed by other activities.
“We have karaoke for those who like to sing. And those who are good in art and handicraft are encouraged to take it up as a hobby,” he said.
He said a group of retired nurses would be visiting this Thursday to give them a treat.
Ramesh, who has spent many years running the home, said the multiracial residents are like family.
“We celebrate everyone’s birthday with a cake.
“Despite being strangers when they first arrive at the home, they accept and respect one another,” he added.
