Car boot family thanks M'sians for care and concern

GEORGE TOWN: Although S. Ganesh does not celebrate Christmas, his family of five have expressed their profound gratitude to Malaysians for bringing them cheer and relief during the Yuletide season.

Due to the concern and generosity of Malaysians, Ganesh, his wife S. Parameswary, 32, and their three children, Girthikanesh, 6, Devi Shri, 3, and eight-month-old Kirthana, had finally moved out of their Proton Saga where they had been living for eight months.

The family of the 34-year-old security guard had lost their home in Lebuh Carnarvon in a fire in April this year.

Ganesh, who had been using public baths for shower and grooming for over half a year, told Bernama that he had never felt so happy to take a shower in their own dedicated bathroom after receiving the keys to a unit at Rifle Range Flats in Ayer Itam here yesterday.

He expressed his gratitude to the Penang government for approving his application for a People's Public Housing (PPR) unit and providing them a temporary home.

He is also grateful to the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) as well as the media for the extensive coverage nationwide that has brought his woes to public attention.

"Finally, I could not describe how thankful I am for the Malaysians who have helped me and my family go through these tough times," he said, in the presence of PHA president P. Murugiah at his new home.

The publicity has attracted the attention of kind-hearted individuals to provide aid, including Muslim preacher Ebit Lew who has visited them and bought them electrical appliances.

During the interview today, Ganesh's family were greeted by volunteers from different groups outside of his new home.

Tzu-Chi Rifle Range Community representative Law Mooi Keow, who donated mattresses and pillows, said they met up with Ganesh this morning to find out the family's needs.

"We provided them with portable mattresses, pillows and covers so that they can be easily carried whenever the family is ready to move into a new home," she said.

Meanwhile, two volunteers from "Member Live of Mutiara FM'' Facebook group have also donated food and condiments to Ganesh's family.

Group member Norafiza Zainudin, 37, said they had shared a news article about Ganesh to the group and had urged members to donate.

"We plan to gather another batch of donations from the group and give it to Ganesh by next month," she said, adding that the group has over 2,000 members.

-- BERNAMA