Man and wife: Wong and Teo giving an interview after their simple wedding ceremony at the National Registration Department in Kuching. — Bernama
KUCHING: While many dream of finding a lifelong partner in their youth, 81-year-old Molly Teo Siok Khim accepted her destiny much later in life.
Teo’s meeting with Richard Wong Yuan Chang, 66, last year at Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK) Kuching eventually blossomed into love, as their complementary personalities made them a perfect match.
“Richard was the one who made the first move to get to know me,” Teo said, smiling as she glanced at Wong, who appeared bashful.
On Thursday, Wong and Teo tied the knot at the Sarawak National Registration Department (NRD) office in a simple ceremony.
The event was witnessed by Sarawak Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Sarawak NRD director Mahathir Bujang, Bernama reported.
On her special day, Teo wore a simple red cheongsam and opted for light makeup. Having resided at the elderly care centre since 2005, she said their shared faith played a significant role in their compatibility.
She added that Wong’s kind and gentle nature captured her heart, leading her to accept his proposal to spend their lives together.
“We are both Christians, so we’re very compatible. At night, we can read the Bible and pray together,” said Teo, who enjoys singing and dancing poco-poco.
Wong, who has been living at RSK Kuching since 2023, admitted that Teo’s extroverted character caught his attention, as he is more reserved.
Both Wong and Teo had previously been married to other residents of the elderly care centre, but their respective spouses had passed away due to health issues.
Fatimah said their marriage is an effective initiative to help elderly residents combat depression, a condition to which they are particularly vulnerable.
She said the authorities encouraged RSK Kuching and Sibu residents who find love at the centres to marry according to their religious beliefs.
“Once married, they will be placed in the couple’s unit at RSK so they can live together. Everyone deserves happiness, and these two have found it, even in their twilight years.
“We will assist in organising wedding ceremonies according to procedures. At the very least, they now have a reason to live and someone to care for and be cared for,” she said, adding that Wong and Teo are currently the only married couple at RSK.
RSK Kuching and Sibu house 61 and 31 elderly individuals respectively. To qualify for residency, applicants must not have mental health conditions, infectious diseases or family members who are able to care for them.
