Published: 2010/08/28 – The Star
NORMA Kassim was so choked with emotion that she could not express her gratitude in front of the cameras.
Her husband, Zainal Abidin Abdul Aziz, put a reassuring arm around her shoulders as she wiped away her tears.
“We are so grateful and touched to be offered this help from Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas),” said Zainal, a 54-year-old odd job worker
So grateful: Rozali (third from left) presenting a packet of rice to Zainal Abidin (second from right) as Zainal’s wife Norma looks on.
They were one of the two families in Kampung Baru Batu 14 in Puchong to receive free water supply for six months from Syabas, in addition to having their water bill arrears waived.
“Our water bills accumulated to RM1,177.74 due to a burst pipe,” Norma said.
The family with five children also received groceries and duit raya from Syabas executive chairman Tan Sri Rozali Ismail.
Rozali said the funds for the Free Water for the Needy programme came from 100 Syabas and Puncak Niaga staff members, including those from the top management.
“Our staff residing in Selangor have been enjoying free 20 cubic metres of water every month, as promised by the Selangor state government.
“However, they feel that there are needy people who are more qualified to receive this free water, so they contributed RM136.80 to the programme, which is the total cost for 20 cubic metre of water a month for a year,” he said.
Rozali added that there was a committee to identify the recipients of this programme based on their payment records and arrears.
Consumers in the state are also welcome to participate in this programme by contacting Syabas offices and signing an agreement form to give up the free 20 cubic metre of water in their monthly bills.
“This programme will be going on as long as the free 20 cubic metre of water is given to the people by the Selangor state government,” Rozali said.
Saayah Abdul Kadir, a mother of seven, was the second recipient of the programme.
“My husband sells drinks at a night market to support our family,” the 48-year-old said.