MELAKA: Covid-19 has led to something disturbing in the historic state – hundreds of elderly folk and cancer patients are found to be in dire need of help.

From those in dilapidated homes and to those who have been asked to vacate for defaulting on rent – dozens were discovered in just one day during a random check by The Star on Sunday.

Some of these elderly people are living all by themselves in housing estates, new villages and flats.

The Kota Laksamana constituency has some 100 elderly people who are “stranded” without enough food during the movement control order (MCO) period, with Kota Laksamana assemblyman Low Chee Leong saying he has records of the urban poor in his constituency.

“I consider them forgotten and forlorn Malaysians, ” he said.

Kesidang assemblyman Allex Seah said he stumbled upon 15 elderly people who had no money for food.

“These senior citizens do odd jobs but with the current MCO, they’re unable to earn anything.

“Many of them told me their children are also stuck in their respective homes, ” he added.

A volunteer from the Kwong Fook Association, Denny Long, said he never knew there were those living under such dire conditions until he went out distributing food packages.

“A 66-year-old grandmother from Ulu Bertam is living with her frail husband and grandchild in a wooden house with a leaking zinc roof, ” said Long, adding that the woman hoped someone would help them repair the roof.

Melaka Consumer and Environment Association’s activist Azizah Harun believed cases of the elderly suffering silently during the MCO were just the tip of the iceberg.

She said there could be many senior citizens who were desperately in need of help but had yet to be located.

Meanwhile, project manager for Southern Outreach of National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), Michaelina Chua, shared sad stories of young cancer patients who needed milk powder and other supplements.

“We have dozens of them under our care, ” said Chua, adding that one such child was also in a dilemma after her family was asked to vacate their home for defaulting on two months’ rent.

“We definitely welcome those who want to help them.”