Good samaritans have come to the assistance of a mother and son who were forced to live at the back of a barbershop in Penang, after losing their jobs recently.

According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), K Selvarani, 57, and her son Emannuel Joseph John, 28, have been rendered speechless by the "love and blessings" extended to them by caring Malaysians.

Selvarani, who is hearing impaired and almost mute, used to work as a dishwasher for daily pay, at a food court in George Town, Penang, but lost her job after fainting at work due to vertigo, two weeks ago. Her employer refused to take her in after she recovered, fearing she might have contracted COVID-19.

Emmanuel meanwhile, who was left blind in one eye after an accident eight years ago, left his job as a security guard recently after he was not paid salary.

The mother and son pair was living at the back of a barbershop when their plight was noticed by the portal.

The portal reported how Emmanuel was moved to tears looking at his mini bank statement printed at an ATM machine yesterday, when his bank balance showed RM9,327.54, courtesy of donors and well-wishers, when he only had RM5 balance before this.

The previous "big" amount Emmanuel has had in his account was RM1,200, which was his monthly salary as a security guard, plus overtime.

Of the RM9,000 plus donation, the biggest chunk came from property tycoon Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, who chipped in RM5,000.

Besides money banked in into Emmanuel's account, he and his mother have also received cash donations of up to RM1,000 from well-wishers, as well as bags of food and other grocery items. One of the well-wishers also bought them a stove and cooking gas, so that they can cook.

The pair is now looking forward to moving out of the room they now call home, after a woman promised to give them a different place to stay for the time being.

According to FMT, Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong also donated some cash and promised to help the pair apply for welfare aid immediately.

Those who wish to help Selvarani and Emmanuel can do so by sending a WhatsApp to FMT's Helpline at 019-3899839.


Source: FMT
Photo source: FMT