MELAKA, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The RM98,000 new house received under the Tenaga Nasional Berhad's (TNB) Projek Mesra Rakyat programme is like an invaluable gift for the elderly Patricia De Roche in conjunction with the upcoming Christmas celebration this December.
Patricia, 82, who resides in the Portuguese Settlement here, said she never dreamed of getting a new house that is more comfortable and safe to spend the rest of her life.
She said the new house was built on the site of her over 60-year-old wooden house.
The old house was made of wood and had become dilapidated and damaged, in addition to frequently getting flooded during heavy rains or high tides, causing many pieces of furniture to be damaged.
"I feel very happy and touched that someone cares about my situation and builds a new house for me to live in ... like a Christmas gift for me," she told reporters when met here today.
She said this after the TNB Projek Mesra Rakyat home handover ceremony, which was officiated by Kota Melaka member of Parliament Khoo Poay Tiong and also attended by TNB Melaka deputy general manager Samsul Harul Anuar.
Patricia, who lives with her three children and a grandchild in the new house, also thanked TNB for providing a more comfortable shelter for her and her family.
"I moved in last night and I am grateful because it is very comfortable... I never thought I would get a new house at this age," she added.
Meanwhile, Khoo said Patricia, who is one of the e-kasih recipients, not only received a new house but also several electrical appliances and furniture worth RM5,000.
He said the the construction of the house began on July 1 and was completed in about two weeks, and it is part of TNB's corporate social responsibilities.
"The approval process for the construction of the house by TNB took a very short time of about three months before the project commenced on July 1," he also said.
Khoo added that in this regard, more corporate companies should help the government in realising various projects involving assistance and welfare for the people.
-- BERNAMA