Bentan (in blue) showing the guests his uncompleted house that has been under renovation for over 20 years in Kampung Terang, Balik Pulau.
BUS driver Bentan Din, 48, and his family have been living in a partially completed home for more than two decades.
Try as he might, the father of eight could never earn enough to care for his family and finish building their house in Balik Pulau, Penang, at the same time.
But thanks to Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), his family might have the chance to live in a fully built home after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
NCIA corporate communication division head Aemizureen Kamarudin said the agency would engage an architect to design the final renovations and look into helping Bentan finish it.
Bentan could not be happier.
“I grew up in this house and then raised a family since 24 years ago.'
Bentan, accompanied by his wife Rohani and daughter Nurul Izzah, receiving foodstuff and cash aid from Redza (in white). Also present is Muhammad Farid (left). — Photos: CHARLES MARIASOOSAY/ The Star
“Over the years, I renovated and expanded it myself slowly. I’m glad that someone is coming in to help, especially with the kitchen and bathroom, he said at his home in Kampung Terang recently.
He added that he earned RM1,500 a month and three of his kids were schooling while one more was at a university. He also has a three-year-old daughter with wife Rohani Oshman, 42.
NCIA, led by chief executive officer Datuk Redza Rafiq, expressed the kind gesture during a visit to Balik Pulau on its annual Kembara Ramadan programme.
Also present was Pulau Betong assemblyman Datuk Muhammad Farid Saad.
Redza also distributed micro grants to 24 entrepreneurs and presented foodstuff and cash aid to 50 families.
He said the initiative was part of a community outreach programme for various districts in Penang, Kedah, Perak and Perlis.
“We aim to lighten the financial burden of underprivileged families while establishing close cooperation and stronger bonds with local leaders and community,” he said.
