“Minister Steven Sim Rescues Family of 7 Living in a Car—But Who’s Really at Fault?”
Source: World Of Buzz
In a shocking revelation of poverty and desperation, a family of seven was found living in their car on the streets of Penang. The father, Hilmi, had moved from Kelantan to Penang in hopes of building a better life, only to face betrayal from a landlord and a spiral into homelessness.
Their situation was dire—broken windows, a shattered windshield patched with plastic sheets, and children taking turns sleeping in the car boot.
Enter Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong. Known for his philanthropic efforts, Sim stepped in and took decisive action. He arranged for a home, paid their rent for a year, found Hilmi a new job, and ensured the children could return to school.
But while the minister’s efforts are commendable, many are asking the uncomfortable question: How did we get here? Why are families still falling through the cracks, forced to rely on goodwill instead of systemic solutions?
The Minister’s Action: A Temporary Fix?
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Sim detailed the struggles of Hilmi and his family. After being cheated by a landlord despite paying a deposit, they were evicted and left to fend for themselves. Hilmi eventually quit his job as a lorry driver and began working for Lalamove using the same car that served as their home.
Sim’s intervention provided immediate relief:
- A new home, fully furnished.
- Rent covered for a year.
- A new lorry driving job for Hilmi.
- Education reinstated for two children who had dropped out.
“When I gave Hilmi the keys, he teared up,” Sim said, urging the family to rebuild their lives.
Netizens React: Sympathy or Criticism?
Social media erupted with mixed reactions. While many praised Sim for his quick response, others pointed fingers at systemic failures.
“This isn’t just about one family—it’s about a broken system where landlords exploit the vulnerable,” commented a netizen.
“Kudos to the minister, but what happens after a year? Will they fall back into the same cycle?” asked another.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about housing insecurity and the lack of safeguards for low-income families.
Closing Thoughts
Steven Sim’s actions remind us of the power of compassion, but they also expose the gaps in our safety nets. As Hilmi and his family start anew, one question lingers: How many more are silently suffering, waiting for someone to notice?
