7 days ago
Family forced to live in derelict swiftlet building, aid on the way
KUALA NERUS: A family of eight forced to live in a crumbling former swiftlet birdhouse in Kampung Batin has drawn urgent attention from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW).
KKDW Terengganu director, Md. Razi Md. Lazim said he was shocked and moved by the family's living conditions, describing the structure as "extremely run-down and not suitable for habitation" after visiting them.
The family includes Mohd. Nazarudin Muhamat, 50, his wife, Nur Nadiatul Asyikin Muhammad Nasir, 36 and 6 children aged 3 to 12.
"I immediately went to the location after being informed of this matter by the former state assemblyman of Seberang Takir, Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abd. Rahman.
"This swiftlet birdhouse building is extremely run-down and not suitable for habitation," he was quoted as saying by Kosmo after offering support to the family yesterday.
Md Razi said the premise is owned by Nur Nadiatul Asyikin's mother and became the family's residence after they were unable to settle their rent arrears.
The 'residence' will be temporarily renovated with the addition of a living room, kitchen, and toilet to improve the comfort of Mohd Nazarudin's family, he said.
Meanwhile, Nur Nadiatul Asyikin said they had previously been living in Kuala Lumpur but returned to their hometown about five years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic due to financial hardship.
They rented a house in the beginning, but were forced to move out after more than a year because they failed to pay a monthly rental of RM550.
"My mother allowed us to stay in this building temporarily. If we need to use the toilet, we will go to the nearby petrol station," she said.
Md. Razi works as a mechanic, while her wife sells ice-cream with an average income of RM1,000 a month. Their eldest child, who is 12 years old, has been diagnosed as a person with disabilities under the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) category.
It is understood that the couple has only recently applied for assistance from the Social Welfare Department and the Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council.
