BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Awang Butit Murah of Kampong Lugu, who has been living alone for years without proper water pipeline and electricity in a dilapidated house for decades, was handed the keys to his newly renovated house by Majlis Kesejahteraan Masyarakat (MKM) yesterday, Borneo Bulletin reported.
Prior to getting proper water pipeline and electricity, the elderly man has been using oil lamps and candles to light up his house at night and for water supply, he collects rain water. The unmarried man has over the years been catching wild animals in the jungle behind his house on top of a hill to survive.
Darussalam Holdings was the major sponsor who covered the renovation cost.
Darussalam Holdings’ Acting Managing Director Hj Osman Hj Md Jair and Assistant Managing Director Pg Hjh Noraini Pg Hj Sablon, as well as other staff of Darussalam Holdings, were present at yesterday’s ceremony.
The renovation of Awg Butit’s house included major repairs of the rooftop and ceiling, replacement of window frame and doors, painting the whole house, fixing the toilet and manhole, as well as replacing stilts and house post that were damaged by termites. All this was done by a contractor and MKM volunteers.
Water pipeline to ensure continuous water supply and electrical wirings and fittings for internal and external area of the house were, meanwhile, installed by the Brunei-Muara District Office.
According to MK1V1 President Datin Paduka Hjh Intan Hj Kassim, Awg Butit was found living alone in the dilapidated house when MKM first met him. Soon after, MKM has been assisting him with financial donations and provided him with a bicycle to help him get around the village.
“Awg Butit has been living without proper water pipeline and electricity for decades,” said Datin Hjh Intan, adding that with the generous sponsorship by Darussalam Holdings and support from the Brunei-Muara District Office, it was possible to renovate his house to make it hygienic and safe for him to live in.
She also expressed appreciation to the major sponsors, as well as members of the public, who have donated through MKM some furniture and fixtures for Awg Butit’s newly renovated house. She also thanked the MUIB and Brunei-Muara District Office who have extended financial assistance to augment his monthly old age pension.
MKM, which is an NGO that was established in the last quarter of 2009, first commended operations in 2010 with the main objective of helping to address social issues in the country and to coordinate efforts of various social welfare NGOs towards improving the welfare of vulnerable groups.