Ex-landlady the latest to step forward to help keropok seller

PETALING JAYA: The saga of keropok seller Ah Fook’s (pic) life is continuing to unfold – for the better. After The Star highlighted his plight last week, many have stepped forward to help him. The latest to do so is his ex-landlady who wants him back. The woman, who declined to be identified, said Ah Fook was welcomed anytime and did not have to pay rent. “There are rooms here for him. He can stay for free,” said the 60-year-old woman who lives in a single-storey terrace home in Sea Park. She said when Ah Fook was staying with her for several months in 2007, he only slept on sheets of newspapers at the porch, adding that she would clean up the place for him.

“After staying here for a while, he left and since then has not come back,” she added. The story of Ah Fook’s ex-landlady is also inspiring. She owns a few houses adjacent to each other and provides shelter for underprivileged and disabled persons. Ah Fook’s childhood friend, who only wished to be known as Paul, said if Ah Fook agreed to move in at his ex-landlady’s house, he would pay the rent and other expenses. It may take some prodding before Ah Fook agrees to move in at his former place. “I do not wish to trouble anyone. I prefer to be independent,” Ah Fook said when met yesterday.- newsdesk@thestar.com.my