Developer marks 15th year of programme with home makeovers for two families in Seremban, Sandakan

The Star

3 days ago

Chan's dilapidated and unsafe house in Seremban before the home makeover undertaken by IJM Land.
IJM Land Berhad celebrated the 15th anniversary of its 'MyHome' Programme by renovating parts of two homes in Seremban, Negri Sembilan and Sandakan, Sabah.
In Seremban, a dilapidated house in Kampung Baru Batu 8, Labu, was fully rebuilt and handed over to Chan Ngan Chong, 61, and his family of four.
The family's previous home was deemed uninhabitable due to termite damage, an unusable kitchen and only one usable bedroom, with high risk of collapsing within a year.
The Chan family survives on minimal income as a stroke three years prior had left him unemployed and dependent on his wife Puniamah, 60.
To become his full-time caregiver, Puniamah had to leave her job as a dish cleaner.
Financial burdens then began to mount, with outstanding electricity bills over RM4,000, which IJM Land also helped to settle.
In the new house, the Chans have been provided with three bedrooms, a toilet and bathroom, a new kitchen, an extended living and dining area plus enhanced surrounding spaces.
IJM Land also provided the family basic furniture and electrical appliances.
In Sandakan, a new house was renovated for Wong See Kong, 82, and his two unmarried children.
Prior to that, the house had a leaking roof, unstable kitchen structures, mouldy ceilings, exposed electrical wiring and no access to clean water.
Hygiene and safety were main concerns, especially due to Wong's advanced age.
IJM Land team with Wong (middle) at his renovated home in Sandakan.
The family struggled to maintain their home, living on a modest monthly income of RM1,500 earned by his 53-year-old daughter who works at a grocery store.
IJM Land and its partners stepped in to reconstruct the kitchen using safe and durable materials.
They also replaced the mouldy ceilings, repainted all walls, installed a proper water supply system and a new metal stove as well as upgraded unsafe electrical wiring.
Concrete flooring, a secure fence and gate were also installed, and the house interior was cleaned.
'The MyHome Programme is our way of giving back to communities that have helped us grow,' said IJM Land chief operating officer Datuk Chai Kian Soon.
'At IJM Land, we believe that making a real difference starts with understanding what families truly need – a safe, secure place to call home.
'Through the programme, we focus on doing what we know best: building and restoring homes, one family at a time.
'Over the past 15 years, we've had the privilege of helping more than 20 families rebuild their lives. With the support of our partners, we hope to continue reaching more communities.'
The MyHome, which started in 2010, aims to uplift the lives of underprivileged households across Malaysia.
It has thus far benefitted 23 families, reflecting IJM Land's commitment to building quality homes.
By engaging subcontractors, suppliers and local partners, IJM Land fosters a collaborative effort to provide conducive living spaces.
'As we continue to scale up the programme, our goal is to ensure that more Malaysian families can live, play, and study in homes that are not just safe, but truly nurturing,' added Chai.