SDNU leads rescue of family living in hardship

SIBU: The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu branch has taken the lead in rescuing a family of five from deplorable living conditions at Jalan Wong Ting Hock 1, Sungai Merah here.

Its chairman, Chambai Lindong, said the effort was carried out in collaboration with the Welfare Department, the police, and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).

He said they had lodged a police report at Sibu Central Police Station before the team, which included a few police personnel and some members of AADK, proceeded to the site.

“Upon arrival, they found the family living in severe hardship, surviving only by selling scrap metal – an income source that was inconsistent and unreliable,” he said in a statement via his Facebook post yesterday.

Chambai added that the children are now under the temporary care and supervision of the Welfare Department, and will be taken to hospital for medical examinations.

“The department will attempt to locate the family’s close relatives before deciding on further courses of action,” he added.

Meanwhile, the parents, he said, were taken by the AADK team for blood tests to ascertain whether their blood had been contaminated by unhealthy and prohibited substances.

“There were intense and emotional reactions from the mother when the children were separated from her.

“That is understandable, but the children don’t deserve to be in the conditions they are in.

“Like any other children, they deserve a better life.

“We can only pray that all will end well for the family, especially the innocent children,” he said.

Chambai also extended his gratitude to representatives of SDNU Sibu, namely Jawi Anom, Phillip Webster and Ambrose John, for leading the team to the site to rescue the family.