A SINGLE mother, who is struggling to make ends meet during the Covid-19 pandemic, has ventured into rice dumpling business in order to raise her six schoolgoing children.
Law Siew Khim, 45, who lost her husband to cancer five years ago, shows an indomitable spirit as she shoulders on during this trying time.
“All my six children are still schooling. They are aged between seven and 15.
“After my husband left us five years ago, I have been doing various odd jobs.
“Unfortunately, due to the current economic uncertainty, I need to find a way out to support my children.
“After learning to make the homemade dumplings at a workshop last year, I decided to give it a try.
“The orders have been picking up for the past few weeks and I feel at least relieved to be able to generate some income,” Law said when met at her rented house in Taman Sri Rambai, Bukit Mertajam recently.
According to Law, she receives RM775 from the state Welfare Department and RM800 from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) monthly.
Her monthly expenses are mainly on house rental (RM605), car loan (RM776), children’s tuition fees and other miscellaneous items.
Law also expressed her gratitude to the state government for providing learning gadgets to her children.
“I am very happy as my children can share the learning devices among themselves to take part in the virtual learning sessions.
“At the same time, the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) in my area has been assisting me to ensure that I manage to cope with my business,” she added.
Law sells traditional meat dumplings and black glutinous rice dumplings.
“After being motivated by friends to give it a try, I couldn’t imagine that the business is doing well.
“I have received a total of 163 orders for both traditional and black glutinous rice dumplings and I hope more orders will come in during our Chinese festive period,” she said.
“Free delivery service will be provided to nearby customers in Bukit Mertajam area.”
Those interested to order the dumplings can call Law at 016-411 7142.
State Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, when contacted, said they would identify the families in the Padang Lalang constituency who need assistance.
“Under the programme to help the small home businesses that are impacted by the pandemic, we will assist them to carry out their businesses smoothly.
“This is a pilot programme and we will be lending a hand so that they can use their respective skills to earn an additional income to support their families.
“It’s important for us to assist the home businesses during this time,” said Chong Eng, who is also the Padang Lalang assemblyman.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis