JOHOR BARU: Cheng Siok Tiang lives on her own in Kampung Setanggi here, a place she has called home for more than 50 years.

       The 70-year-old said every other day, her neighbour Roslah Abdul Rahim would come over with hot and delicious meals to share with her.

       “She has been sharing home cooked food with me for the past few years and more frequently during the Covid-19 pandemic. I am touched by her kind gesture and initiative to look out for old people like me,” she added.

       Cheng, who is single, has no close family members except for her nephew and his wife who visit here once in a while.

       “He gives me some money now and then, but I don’t want to bother him as he has two children of his own to take care of,” she said.

       Cheng said some of the dishes Roslah shared with her were fried bee hoon or rice with side dishes. Sometimes, she gets dishes like rendang during special occasions such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji.

       “Not only does she care for me, she would also give scraps and leftover food to my two dogs, too. Sometimes, her husband would come over to help as well. I’m grateful for their generosity,” she added.

       Roslah, 54, a school canteen operator, said she knew Cheng, whom she calls “aunty”, ever since she got married and moved in with her in-laws next door about 30 years ago. She said during the pre-pandemic days when she could run her canteen in schools, she used to cook extra portions to share with the elderly woman.

       “We have always enjoyed good neighbourly ties as my in-laws were also close to her.

       “Aunty lives on her own and has no income, so I was looking out for her to make sure that she does not go hungry,” said Roslah.

       “As we are the younger generation, we wanted to do what we can to take care of the elderly and set a good example for our children.

       “I can only hope that one day when we get old, the younger ones will take care of us, too,” said the mother of six.