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No Raya joy for three single mums

JOHOR BARU: For single mothers Jahan Senah, Hafsah Mohd Noor and Markinas Manap, getting new clothes and preparing festive goodies will be among the last things on their minds this coming Hari Raya.

The fact that they are homeless has made it almost impossible to make plans for any celebration.

The women lost their homes in fires recently, leaving them to seek temporary shelter with relatives.

For 56-year-old Jahan, whose house at Kampung Parit Lapis Sayang in Benut, Pontian, was razed on Nov 1, this Hari Raya would not bring her any income as she could not take orders for traditional delicacies as she had in previous years.

Jahan, who was widowed 14 years ago, hoped the authorities would help speed up the reconstruction of her house.

“I cannot go on staying with my relatives as I would not have any income. At my old place, I used to sell kuih every day,” she said.

Hafsah, a mother of three children aged between nine and 14, even had to quit her job as her employer was unhappy with her taking leave to sort things out after her house in Kampung Melayu Ulu Choh, Gelang Patah, was razed on Sept 15.

“Can you imagine the heartbreak? I have no house and no job. My greatest concern now is to ensure my children have food every day. What they wear for Hari Raya is not an issue,” said the 40-year-old divorcee.

As for Markinas, 54, whose house was gutted together with Hafsah’s, it will be a bleak Hari Raya as she has not only lost a home but also her husband, Sulaiman Jamis, who died of lung cancer three months ago.

The three women were among 300 people who received aid and Hari Raya goodies on Monday from the Johor government and the Association of Wives of Johor Assemblymen.

Full credit for story goes to:

The Star, Malaysia