Finally, a roof over his head

Karuppanan's happy ending came about after 30 disabled people demonstrated on his behalf

FRIDAY, JUNE 08, 2012 - 13:05

by T.K. Letchumy Tamboo

Location: 

KUALA LUMPUR

NEW BEGINNING: Karuppanan receives an offer letter for a PPR unit from Sukiman.

AFTER two and a half years of living in his car, a disabled toilet attendant became the proud owner of a house within two hours yesterday.

Wheelchair-bound V. Karuppanan's happy ending happened after 30 disabled people from the Independent Living and Training Centre (ILTC) demonstrated outside City Hall's headquarters here on his behalf.

The 60-year-old from Selayang, who had applied to City Hall for a flat unit on the first floor of the Intan Baiduri Public Housing Scheme (PPR) since 2009, got his prayers answered when the council's Housing Management department director Sukiman Surahman decided to offer him a vacant unit.

In the 30-minute meeting with Sukiman, Karuppanan, who was accompanied by ILTC adviser Anthony Thanasayan, president Francis Siva and secretary Gurdip Kaur, explained how every one turned a blind eye on him.

"I sought help from City Hall, the Social Welfare Department and the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry, but they gave empty promises," said Karuppanan, who had been forced to bath in the toilet that he manages with his wife, A. Pushpavalli, 49, in KTM Subang Jaya.

Pushpavalli, who had been staying at her sister's already crowded house in PPR Intan Baiduri with her 21-year-old son, said she was ecstatic with the flat offer as she did not need to 'squatter' at other people's house anymore.

Karuppanan in his car — Pix: Razak Ghazali

"My husband lost the use of his legs during childhood due to polio. I have to be his limbs and help him out with chores. I clean the washrooms at the Subang Jaya station and he collects money from users.

"We make about RM30 daily and can hardly get through life with it. At least now we have a place to call home," she said.

Sukiman said despite Karuppanan's claim that he had approached City Hall before, this was the first time he heard the problem.

"Karuppanan said he noticed many vacant units at PPR Intan Baiduri and asked why we did not offer him.

"Sometimes, the flats may look vacant but may not be the case. We have to check to ensure it is really vacant.

"I've offered Karuppanan a unit on the first floor of PPR Intan Baiduri after receiving confirmation that it is vacant.

"I've instructed my officers to renovate the unit into a disabled-friendly home by building ramps and revamping the toilet. We hope this can be done within two days and he can then move in with his family," Sukiman said.