MIRI: MP Chiew Choon Man has again gone out of his way to help a family overcome poverty through a business venture.
It all started when he encountered a woman named Kak Aini, diligently gathering kangkung and sweet potato leaves by the roadside for her family’s dinner recently.
Engaging in a conversation with Kak Aini, Chiew learned about the challenges she faced.
In a Facebook post, he said her husband, battling Parkinson’s disease, was unable to work, leaving Kak Aini as the sole breadwinner, earning RM20 a day as a laundry worker.
“Kak Aini has a son who is undeniably bright and aspires to become a mechanical engineer. However, it’s disheartening to learn that he had to discontinue his education at Form 4 simply to alleviate the family’s financial burden.
“I was taken aback. Despite our country’s wealth in natural resources, there are still resilient individuals like Kak Aini and her family who live in constant deprivation.
“At the age of 50, Kak Aini remains diligently employed. Despite facing financial hardships, she never resorts to seeking charity. In reality, she desires to work further to support her family,” he said.
Determined to empower Kak Aini and others like her, Chiew proposed a collaborative business venture.
He said Kak Aini, skilled in frying banana fritters and making shaved ice desserts, was to join forces with Kak Wati, who Chiew had assisted in opening a nasi lemak stall a few weeks earlier.
“Kak Wati didn’t have much to say, she simply nodded in agreement.
“She mentioned that if it weren’t for the assistance she received that day, she wouldn’t have been able to put food on the table for her family.
“Now, it was her turn to help Kak Aini because she believed that by easing others’ burdens, God would, in turn, ease ours.”
Kak Aini, specialising in fried banana fritters and ais kacang, was to complement Kak Wati’s nasi lemak business.
A generous contribution of RM500 each from Chiew and Kak Wati facilitated the purchase of an ais kacang machine and necessary equipment for Kak Aini’s venture.
Additionally, he provided an extra RM2,000 to ensure a steady cash flow.
“Before Kak Aini left the house, she gave her husband a kiss on the forehead as a sign of enduring love, reminiscent of a newlywed couple. It was truly sweet,” Chiew remarked.
Grateful for the support, Kak Aini embarked on her new business journey.
The first day of business proved to be a success, with Kak Aini earning approximately RM216.
Chiew said this initiative not only highlighted the indomitable spirit of Sarawak but also underscored the power of communal support and the principles of Malaysia Madani.
