From Overnight Food To Stomach Full: Transition In Mei Lian’s Life

Written by S.O

Age had left its deep marks on Mei Lian’s (pseudonym) face, besides causing many inconveniences to her physical body – she was helpless in organising the recycled items that were piling up and scattered everywhere in her rented house. She became a widow at a young age. Now, at the age of 60 plus, she is living with her learning disability son. 

In Mei Lian’s younger days, she made a living by collecting and recycling cartons, aluminium cans, etc., and she managed to raise her son to adulthood. As she ages, her body becomes weaker; she is no longer capable of collecting and organising recycled items like before. Compared to the past, with the present higher living costs, her earnings from recycled items could hardly cover their household expenses. On the other hand, her son works at a motorcycle workshop; the hours are long and the workload is heavy. Besides this, he was also being ill-treated by his employer, receiving only a very minimal salary of RM1000 per month.               

The meagre income of the mother and son combined left almost nothing after they paid their house rental of about RM500 plus. Mei Lian only takes dinner for the whole day. It was already insufficient for her, yet she would still leave some for the next day. She had been living in such conditions for decades, with hardly three meals a day. Her son’s condition is better; at least he has a meal during work.

A friend of hers, who was an aid recipient of Manna Food Bank, noticed Mei Lian’s long-term predicament, so she introduced her to the 7979 Holistic Care Station of Kuantan Presbyterian Glorious Grace. When the volunteers visited her and learned more about her conditions, they decided to apply for the “7979 Manna Food Bank”. Since then, Mei Lian’s overwhelming life started to have some breathing space. The 5kg rice, rice vermicelli, dried noodles and flour enabled her to cook three simple meals a day for two months.              

Besides giving the Manna Food Bags, the volunteers also helped her by clearing the recycled items, which were piling up and making it difficult to walk around. The recycling centre collected and paid her at her house. Although what she received is much less this way, it could still pay off some of her expenses. They also reminded her not to pile things in her home, as it may affect her health. Thankfully, day after day of caring had indeed calmed her worried heart. Today, with the companionship of the volunteers and Manna Food Bank’s support, her life has more room for relaxing and happy moments.