GROWING public apathy is pushing some charity homes in the Klang Valley into debt, as personal and corporate sponsors cut back on financial support in light of the rising cost of living.

For the Kirtarsh Home for Children with Disabilities, electricity and water cuts have become a regular occurrence.

The home, which houses 50 orphans, senior citizens and people with disabilities, aged between 7 and 102, needs up to RM25,000 a month to cover food, utilities and staff salaries.

Charity homes that do not have land tenure security like Kirtarsh have chalked up even larger debts from rental arrears, and most can ill afford to hire full-timers.

The centre, which was set up in 2008, currently cares for 19 orphans and children with disabilities, aged between 6 and 12. – November 14, 2017.