KUCHING, March 31: Poverty-stricken Mohd Nazimuddin and his family are to be evicted by April 3 this year if he fails to pay 16 months’ worth of outstanding rental totalling RM2,400 to Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
Currently, Nazimuddin is surviving on RM300 in monthly financial assistance from the State Social Welfare Department.
Apart from that, he also holds a part-time job installing satellite dishes with an income of roughly around RM200 per month. However, it is not enough to feed his whole family.
What is making things worse is Nazimuddin has been diagnosed with high-blood pressure, high cholesterol and chronic asthma.
Apart from these health conditions, Nazimuddin is also suffering from an issue that has baffled doctors. At times, everything he sees will be in the shade of the colour red. This is the main reason he is unable to work.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that one of Nazimuddin’s three children, Putra Muhd Adam, was diagnosed with bronchitis, chronic asthma and hole-in-the-heart.
Being the sole breadwinner for the family, but now unable to perform his duty due to his various ailments, Nazimuddin has not been able to pay for the flat unit he is renting at Taman Dahlia near Matang.
Abdul Aziz Isa, special assistant to Pakatan Harapan Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen and DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak publicity secretary highlighted Nazimuddin’s dire situation in a statement today.
He said he received a call earlier today from Nazimuddin.
“According to Nazimuddin, HDC had recently issued an eviction notice ordering the family to vacate the unit latest by April 3 for failing to pay 16 months’ rental arrears of RM2,400. Failure to do so would result in the unit being put into lockdown.
“Why is the family being evicted when there are still many vacant units available in Taman Dahlia? At the same time, the family has not been asked to discuss the matter with the HDC,” said Abdul Aziz.
He called for the family not to be forced to move out of the unit until the meeting could be held with someone who could make decisions.
“I urge the government to put the welfare of the people first and not burden the family as those living in the flats are from the low-income group.
“The government has always declared that they are ‘people first’, but in this case, they are forcing the family to move out.
“What else can the family do? I cannot help but feel concern for the family because if they are left without any help, they could end up becoming illegal squatters or even worse, homeless.
“HDC should at least try to be more considerate and make an exception for this family and not simply throw them out onto the street,” said Abdul Aziz.
He said to help the family, he would try to write to the authorities to demand the nullification of the eviction notice.
“I will also highlight the issue and request Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian or his assistant Dr Annuar Rapaee to help the family solve their problems,” said Abdul Aziz. — DayakDaily
