IT was a dream come true for Noor Hayati Ismail, 56, when her dilapidated house now looks brand new after some major renovation works took place.
Noor Hayati has been living in her old house at Kampung Siam in Bukit Mertajam for more than 30 years before being selected as a participant of the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) special initiative known as ‘Projek Baiti Jannati’ (PBJ).
PBJ is a programme fully funded by the utility company’s zakat allocation and is designed to elevate the living conditions and standards of the disadvantaged.
“I couldn’t believe what I see, it was my dream all this time to have a better and comfortable house since I live alone and don’t have any children. And finally, my dream had come true.
“Previously, my house was in a very bad shape and has many problems, including access to clean water.
“So, I have to use water from a well near my house and the village community hall to get some clean water for my daily uses. But now the problem is all solved.
“Thus, I would like to express my utmost appreciation and gratitude to TNB for the renovation works and also to Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto, who bear the cost for the pipe repairs at my house,” Noor Hayati told Buletin Mutiara when met at her house today.
Also present were Kasthuriraani and TNB general manager (northern states) Azmi Md Yusof.
Azmi said the renovation works cost RM38,000 and took around three weeks to be completed.
“We managed to complete it last month (August).
“But credit to YB Kasthuriraani for bringing Noor Hayati’s plight to TNB.
“After we processed Noor Hayati’s application, we found that she met all the conditions to be under the PBJ programme. And the renovation works took place after that.
“The renovation works included house interiors, awning, roof and many others,” he said.
Kasthuriraani said her office allocated more than RM3,000 to repair the water piping system at Noor Hayati’s house.
“Thanks also to Kebun Sireh MPKK (Village Community Management Council) for bringing this matter to me.
“As an elected representative, I will do everything I can in my capacity to help those who need it.
“Hopefully, with everything that has been done to this house, I hope Noor Hayati will now have a sense of pride and peace of mind when she finally can live in a comfortable house,” she added.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal