By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 6: The 68-year-old blind woman who crawled for help after spending days alone with her deceased daughter in their remote Kota Samarahan home is now safely under the care of the Sarawak Welfare Department (JKM) at Rumah Seri Kenangan (RSK).
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the woman has been admitted to the facility for health checks and further assessment following the distressing incident.
“She lived alone with her daughter who had died for six days. She is blind, and she might have tried to seek help but could not. Thankfully, she has now been brought to Rumah Seri Kenangan.
“After her health examination, she will continue with the necessary procedures. In her situation, there is nowhere else more suitable. If there were family members, they would have taken her, but at this moment, there is no one,” she told reporters when met at Sarawak Cultural Village today. An audio recording of the doorstep interview was later shared with DayakDaily.
Nancy, who is Santubong MP, said the case highlights the importance of community awareness, especially in rural and isolated areas.
“She lived deep inside a forested area. Even if the forest was not very thick, it was still far in. She had to crawl to reach the main road. It is extremely heartbreaking,” she said.
She also urged village leaders and community volunteers to be more vigilant and proactive in checking on vulnerable individuals.
“That is why we appoint community leaders and volunteers — to know the condition of the people, not just to collect names during elections. This is the time when help is truly needed,” she stressed.
Nancy reminded the public that JKM provides various forms of support for individuals living alone, including home assistance, volunteers who can offer companionship, help with cleaning, and transportation to hospital appointments.
“The government provides many types of assistance. People just need to know where to seek help, especially from JKM,” she added.
The case has drawn widespread concern over the plight of persons with disabilities who live in isolation, with many calling for stronger monitoring and community networks to prevent similar tragedies. — DayakDaily
