ALOR STAR: Over the past two decades, Ooi Gwaik Chin and her family have been keeping their Chinese New Year celebrations lowkey since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002.
She had completed her chemotherapy, however, 10 years ago it resurfaced, forcing her to undergo a surgery to remove the cancerous tumour.
"I am caring for my 88-year-old ailing mother and a disabled sister aged 67.
"My savings have depleted after I retired at the age of 55 and was unable to work after suffering from the cancer relapse," said Ooi, who is earning some small income from collecting and selling recycled materials at her home in Taman Pelangi, Kuala Kedah.
Today, E-Idaman Sdn Bhd (EISB), the state's solid waste management concessionaire, brought cheer to Ooi and her family as they made preparations for the upcoming Chinese New Year.
She is among 10 underprivileged families who received food basket and cash aid under EISB's IdamanCare4u corporate social responsibility programme.
It was jointly organised by the Kedah Hong Shan Recreation Association and Kedah Crisis Relief Squad.
"I am grateful for this aid. It will certainly bring some cheer to use in preparing for the festive," Ooi said.
The food baskets were presented by EISB Procurement Department head Norhalim Sulaiman and Kedah SW Corp senior assistant director, Azhana Che Ghazali.
EISB had also collaborated with the two organisations to hold a recycling campaign, which saw them gather over 400kg waste.
Meanwhile, EISB said it would carry out bulk waste collection for the Chinese New Year from Feb 3 to Feb 8.
"The additional operation is being carried out after factoring in the increasing volume of bulk waste generated ahead of major festivities.
"We are focusing on former illegal dumping sites in the state to prevent them from being used as dump sites during the festive period," EISB said in a statement.