It was a mere two days ago when Uncle Kanda slept restlessly on an old, wet mattress in a Bukit Mertajam market. Luckily for him, a young lawyer who goes by Cik Hanis spotted him and relayed the matter to Bukit Mertajam MP, Steven Sim.
What happened next was truly inspiring.
Steven who was in Malacca, wasted no time in travelling back home. Reaching Bukit Mertajam in the wee hours of the morning, he then went straight to the Kaki Lima market where uncle Kanda was spotted to findhim.
Having located him, Uncle Kanda was taken to a hotel to rest for the night. The politician didn’t share his plans with Uncle Kanda just yet, he wanted the man to have a good night’s sleep. It was the first time in six months that Uncle Kanda had slept on a proper bed.
The work however was just about to start.
First, a makeover. Uncle Kanda was given a new wardrobe and a new haircut
Then it was off to the doctors for a medical check-up. Thankfully Dr. Hans gave uncle Kanda a clean bill of health with the exception of a non-serious skin condition which he was given and injection and medication for.
The day wasn’t over yet, however.
Uncle Kanda would need to move around, and for that he would need his old motorcycle back. Unfortunately, his motorcycle has been left in a workshop after a bad accident last year and Uncle Kanda could not afford the repairs. The motorcycle was in a bad shape and total repairs would cost RM 1,000 which Steven took care of.
Uncle Kanda used to be a security guard before the accident left him jobless and eventually homeless. Steven had informed Uncle Kanda’s future employer to allow him a week or two of rest before his new job starts.
But the day wasn’t over yet, the MP had one more trick up his sleeve. A new home which the rent would be paid by Steven until government housing becomes available for Uncle Kanda.
“From now on, Uncle has a new home. He does not have to wake up early in the morning to avoid the hawkers and their customers.
“No need to sleep on a wet and smelly mattress. No need to take a shower in a public toilet. No need to wander aimlessly to seek sympathy from people to be able to eat.
“I’m sorry, Uncle, because I arrived late, but I promise that I will not let uncle sleep on the street again,” Sim said.
