NGO reaches out to support mentally challenged siblings in Serian

KUCHING (Feb 3): Hope Place Kuching continues to extend assistance to two middle-aged siblings with mental challenges living in Serian.

The siblings―Jong Thian Poh, 62, and his sister, Lee Chu, 59―have been struggling to support themselves following the death of their father, Sze Khin, who passed away at the age of 95 in December last year.

The late Sze had previously been a recipient of aid from the non-governmental organisation (NGO).

Hope Place is currently providing them with basic food supplies.

According to Hope Place, Jong has never held a permanent job and has relied on collecting recyclable items for income over the years.

He would cycle to Serian town to gather recyclables from markets and coffee shops.

“In 2021, Jong was involved in an accident, that had resulted in a head injury,” Hope Place said in a statement on Monday.

The NGO added that it is uncertain whether Lee Chu is literate, as she has never been employed and is difficult to communicate with.

She is described as being reserved and avoids eye contact.

“Although she dislikes human interaction, she loves dogs and keeps several at home, caring them lovingly,” it said.

Hope Place noted that Jong occasionally collects wild vegetables for food.

Despite having a liquefied petroleum gas tank, he prefers to gather firewood for cooking.

A church group reportedly visits the siblings about once a week to check on their well-being.

Hope Place said it welcomes public support to enable the organisation to continue assisting other individuals and families in need.

Those wishing to contribute may call Hope Place Kuching on 082-505987 or 013-5672775.

Donations can be made to its Maybank account 511289001160 or via the S Pay Global QR code available on its Facebook page.

Receipts will be issued upon request.