The revamped premises were officially opened on Feb 22, marking a new chapter for Yellow House KL. “With this renovated space, we are now able to significantly enhance our impact and offer a wider range of programmes to meet the evolving needs of our community,” said founder and president Shyam Priah Marimuthu.
Since its inception in 2011, Yellow House has provided shelter for refugees and the homeless, and has served as a food-aid distribution hub for the urban poor.
Its efforts have included conducting English classes for refugees and helping them become more self-sufficient by upskilling them in product development, photography and more.
Yellow House has also served as a home to over 1,000 international volunteers from over 40 countries who lend their support to its mission.
Shyam shared that before the renovation – which commenced in September 2023 and took about 16 months to complete – the four-decade-old structure suffered from a leaky roof and ceilings that gave way, requiring frequent repairs. This affected the team’s ability to operate efficiently.
“The new face of Yellow House today is a standing reality thanks to YTL Foundation and YTL Construction, as well as corporate partners and individual donors,” Shyam said. The renovation cost approximately RM275,000.
Today, the building has a raised roof that fills the space with natural light and improves ventilation. A cosy central courtyard with bamboo adds a serene touch to the place.
“We wanted the place to stand out not just in terms of its architecture but as a space where people would feel welcome, because Shyam has great initiatives through which they can work with the community and uplift them,” YTL Construction director Yeoh Pei Tsen told FMT Lifestyle.
To that end, the revamped premises feature open areas for creativity and collaboration, allowing Yellow House to serve as a host for events such as workshops, training sessions and gatherings.
More concretely, planned initiatives include the “Farm School”, a 0.4-ha piece of land located nearby where marginalised members of the community can learn the ins and outs of agroeconomics.
The NGO also plans to launch a weekly farmer’s market onsite so produce can be sold without going through intermediaries, and further intends to invite small-scale farmers, artisans, and individuals from refugee and indigenous groups to sell their products at the market.
A legacy of compassion
For Shyam, the premises hold personal significance as her father and grandfather were the ones who built the house. “My parents only intended to buy the house next door, but the owner of this house was ill and wanted to sell it so he could afford medical treatment.
“My parents ended up buying both houses even though they only had money for one,” Shyam said, adding that they’d had to sell goods such as vadai to raise money.
Her father and grandfather later rebuilt the houses to make them safer to live in.
Even before Yellow House had been established, the premises were already providing refuge for the needy. Shyam shared that whenever her mother encountered women who faced marital difficulties or domestic violence, she would welcome them into their home.
Indeed, the house’s legacy is rooted in compassion for the less fortunate. And seeing it being given a new breath of life, Shyam said, was surreal.
Asked about her hope for Yellow House’s future, she replied: “That those who step in here will exercise compassion and empathy, and that our beneficiaries will learn resilience so they can uplift their lives.”
For more information, contact 011-3929 9455 or email [email protected]. Learn more about Yellow House KL via its website, and on Instagram and Facebook.
Yellow House KL
213, Lorong Ikan Emas 2,
Kampung Ampang Campuran,
68000 Ampang, Selangor