Despite their different religion and racial backgrounds, it is not a hindrance for these two women, Lee (left) and Puspam (right) to take care of Izzati who is still in confinement after giving birth. — Bernama photo
NILAI: Having built a strong rapport with her two elderly neighbours, Izzati Mohamad Amran, 30, has grown so fond of them that she now regards them as part of her family.
Despite the vast age difference, Izzati said she had no problems making friends with the two women Lee Nyek Ying, 80, and N. Puspam, 63.
Sharing her joy in living with neighbours of different races, Izzati said while her children get to celebrate the Chinese New Year and Deepavali festivals, she had the opportunity to learn about her neighbours’ cultural traditions.
“We have been looking out for each other and as I am very much younger, these two senior citizens are especially concerned for me and they treat me just like their own daughter.
“As I am now in confinement after delivering my third child, Lee or Ah Po as I call her, has been overly concerned and checks on me every morning and evening to make sure that my children and I are alright.
“During my confinement period I get to learn the traditional practices observed by the Chinese and Hindu communities and some of these are practices can be adopted by other races too,” she said when met by Bernama here yesterday.
Izzati who has been residing in Taman Semarak here for the past three years said Lee would usually come over to her house in the morning and they would sit and talk on various topics over breakfast together.
“I have gotten used to this arrangement and its good for Lee to come by as during these visits I get to monitor her condition as she is getting old,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lee said her grandchildren have been teaching Izzati’s eldest daughter, Nur Izzah Zinnarah, 5, who is attending a Chinese school.
“If she is not sure of anything, Nur Izzah will come to my house to seek help from my grandchildren. My grandchildren and Izzati’s children are good friends they play together alot,” said Lee who has been living in the area for the past 27 years.
She added that Izzati would often cook and share her food with her family and whenever Izzati’s family return from a trip, they would bring back souvenirs for her.
“My children too will make sure there will be gifts for Izzati’s family when they return from their vacations,” Lee said.
Meanwhile, N Puspam, 63, said she is ever grateful to her neighbours as they were the first to come to her grandson’s rescue when he was scalded sometime ago.
“When the incident occurred I panicked and could only scream for help. Izzati rushed over and immediately took him to the hospital. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know what would have happened to my grandson,” she said.
Puspam said her neighbours had always been caring, helpful and respectful of one another and there had never been any argument or conflict among them. — Bernama