It is true when people say that we’ll only find out who really cares for us when we’re down at the bottom, especially when you’re battling with illnesses. When I was diagnosed as a person wtih disabilities and had to frequent the hospital for treatments in 1999, my husband took my child and ran out on me. Only God knows the pain and sadness I felt at that time. Luckily my niece took pity on me and took care of me like her own mother. She and her family made my disability card and even brought me to my hospital appointments.

Not long after, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. The cancer spread from a small abscess on my thigh to the rest of my body until I had to do masectomy. Now I’m on various medications and have to go to the hospital three times a week for chemotherapy. I was worried that I would be a burden to my niece and her family, but I found out that my treatments and medications are all free – as the costs are borne by the government. I am thankful that the government cares for people like me.

Aramelol a/p Pakri

Beneficiary of government’s healthcare services

Imagine – a spacious house with 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms, close to the city centre and near many facilities – all for just RM250 a month!

Before this, I had to move in with my mother where me and my three kids had to share a room. As my kids grew older, some of us had to sleep in the living room.

Now at this new place, my kids can now study and rest at their own room. The monthly payment is also low, so I can save the income I get from helping my sister out at her dobby for my eldest child’s university needs, kitchen necessities and many more.

I am happy and thankful that the government provides PPR house for people like us who are less well-off. Because of the government, now we live in a more comfortable environment!

Tai Lee Hwa

Penghuni Kediaman PPR

When I was a kid, I loved following my dad to work at the workshop. I loved watching the sparks fly as he welded gates, windows as my dad worked on them. But whenever I talk about my interest in welding, everyone told me that it’s a man’s job. I never cared, ‘ketegaq’ as the locals would say it. Why can’t I do it?

After PMR, I was determined to take technical and vocational course. I had to apply twice at the Kolej Vokasional Sungai Petani 1 and finally gained admission to major in welding after my second appeal. Including myself, there were only 3 girls in my course.

Alhamdulillah, it was the right choice for me to involve myself with TVET. Sapura Kencana offered me a job as a welder even before I graduated. It’s proof that whatever men can do, women can do too!

Nurul Fatin Atikah

In secondary school I was faced with a choice – continue with conventional learning and sit for SPM or apply for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). I was an easy choice for me, TVET!

Many out there perceive TVET as a second-class education with no real future. It is also seen as the last choice, for students who don’t do well in school. But what they don’t know is that the starting pay for TVET graduates is much higher than diploma and degree holders!

I am one of the two women who graduate from Kolej Vokasional Sungai Petani 1 with a welding certification. Thank you to the government for giving women like me the opportunity to strive in this field.

Siti Sarah Mohd Samsuri

During the economic downturn, my husband lost his job at the factory. Our lives changed in the blink of an eye. We lost our source of income, our house was auctioned off, our car was repossessed and we used up all of our savings. Only God knows how challenging it was for us.

Because of our dire situation, our family was forced to break apart. My husband and I stayed with our aunt while our children were sent elsewhere. As a mother, it was heartbreaking to part with my children.

But I refused to give up. I used my last RM70, rice assistance and food assistance from Baitulmal as my business capital to sell nasi lemak at the LRT Wangsa Maju station.

I saved my money bit by bit and after two months, I had enough to rent a space at Restoran Maulana’s sidewalk in Desa Pandan, Kuala Lumpur. I then applied for TEKUN and 1Azam assistances, which gave me enough to rent a shop, buy kitchen appliances as well as hire workers.

From making RM70 a day at the sidewalk, now I have my own shop and workers. My daily income has also increased to between RM1,000 to RM2,000.

Our family’s life is now much more comfortable thanks to the government. Government’s initiatives like this have help people like me to improve our quality of life.

Sharifah binti Dun

Successful Entrepreneur

I live in Kuang and work in Kuala Lumpur. Imagine, it would take almost two hours to get to work if I take a car. On top of that, I’d also have to bear costs for fuel, toll and car services. So, I choose to use our public transportation system.

For almost 4 year since 2013, I take the commuter daily. It wasn’t easy – I had to be out of the house by 5am to reach my office at around 8am. It’s more cost effective, but it is time consuming and not exactly a comfortable mode of transport.

17 July 2017, the day of the launch of MRT Sungai Buloh – Kajang, is the day that my life changed for the better. Now my journey to work only takes 45 minutes. I no longer have to be awake before the break of dawn. I can leave my house at 7am and still reach office before 8am.

The travel is no longer a hassle. Anyone who has been on the MRT would know how spacious and comfortable it is!

The train frequency is also better. I don’t have to wait long for the train. With the MRT, I save almost 30% on travel fare, but the comfort and amount of time I save from taking the MRT is priceless.

In a nutshell, I am so proud of the MRT!

Mohd Izzizi bin Saparuddin

Frequent public transport user

Just imagine, back in the days here in Kampung Timpongah, we had to walk through shrubs and bushes for almost 10 kilometres just to get to school. If we needed to buy our daily necessities, it was a two hours journey by foot to Kampung Sugud followed by a car ride to Pekan Dongongan where we can finally buy our things. At night we used lamp lights and our water supply was incosistent and sporadic.

Thanks to the government’s continuous efforts, today we have paved roads just like in the cities. A trip to Pekan Dongongon takes merely 15 minutes. Our electricity supply is stable and it’s much more comfortable for the kids to study. They even receive RM100 in schooling assistance from the government. The government has done a lot for rural folks like us. Thank you!

Patrick Doulit

Beneficiary of government’s rural development initiatives

During the day I would work at the factory, followed by a part time job at a restaurant. At night I would sew clothes for extra income. I worked myself to the bone. I had limited time with my family as I was too busy working.

With the sewing machine I received courtesy of the government, I now support my family with the income I make from sewing clothes. But the income I make from this depends on demands. In a good month like the Raya month, I can earn about RM400.

So for people like me, when the government announced RM1,200 in BR1M, we are very grateful to the government. It may not seem much to the city folks, but for me and my family it is a huge amount. Enough for me to buy kitchen necessities, school needs for my grandchild, pay my bills and even have some extra money to keep for my savings.

Jadi bila Kerajaan umum BR1M sebanyak RM1,200, saya cukup-cukup gembira dan bersyukur. Mungkin buat mereka yang tinggal selesa di bandar jumlah itu kecil, tapi bagi saya dan keluarga, jumlah itu cukup banyak. Dengan duit itu saya boleh beli kelengkapan rumah, beli barangan sekolah cucu, buat bayar duit api dan air, buat simpanan untuk masa depan saya juga.

Tan Lee Lee

BR1M recipient