A 69-year-old blind woman who was found living alongside her deceased daughter’s body for several days will be placed under the care of Rumah Seri Kenangan, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
She said the woman will undergo thorough physical and psychological assessments to determine her overall wellbeing.
“JKM has taken immediate action. Given that she now has no family support following her daughter’s death, it is most appropriate for her to be placed in a care home,” Nancy said at the Gastronomi Nyamai Sarawak 2025 Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village today.
The media had earlier reported that the visually impaired woman was forced to crawl nearly 150 metres to seek help after spending several days beside her daughter’s body in a hut along Jalan Kampung Telok Sabang, Kota Samarahan.
Kota Samarahan district police chief Supt Damataries Lautin said the woman realised her 48-year-old daughter had died on November 30 after she complained of chest pain and shortness of breath.
Unable to call for assistance, the elderly woman remained in the hut until the increasingly strong smell compelled her to crawl out in search of help.
Nancy urged community leaders to remain alert to the needs of vulnerable residents, particularly in rural areas, so that similar tragedies can be prevented.
“Proactive community leadership ensures villagers are properly informed about the assistance available through government agencies, especially JKM,” she said.
