While others as old as Cheng Yoke would have been sent to a home for the elderly a long time ago, the centenarian – who was born during the first World War and lived to see the end of the second – is blessed to live out the rest of her days with her family.
Her niece Lo Poh Hin, 74, said Cheng Yoke, who suffered from bad eyesight as a child, went blind at the tender age of seven after an operation went awry.
“She lived with my grandparents and when they died, she stayed with my parents.
“Now, she lives with me and my family,” Poh Hin said at their flat in Desa Penaga, Jelutong today.
Cheng Yoke has over 20 nieces and nephews and over 50 grandnieces and grandnephews according to Poh Yong, her other niece.
Poh Yong said everyone in the family took turns caring for their aunt, who despite her age, was still in the pink of health.
“One ear is still good and she can still feed herself. Even though she can’t see, my aunt has been independent since she was young.
“Whatever she can do herself, she will. Even now, she tries to be cooperative. She tries to make it easy for us,” Poh Yong said.
With Cheng Yoke as the surviving elder, the extended Lo family gathered at the flat to celebrate Chinese New Year with her this year.
Today, the Lo family opened their home to special visitors – Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, his father Lim Kit Siang, Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi and Batu Lanchang assemblyman Danny Law – who came bearing a hamper and red packets.
This is the second year Guan Eng has visited Cheng Yoke for Chinese New Year.
He said it was heartwarming to see the Lo family looking after their elder, and encouraged others to follow their example of filial piety.
“They didn’t send her to live in a home. All these years they continued to care for her. This is a good example to follow.
“We hope families will look after their elders to show gratitude towards those who looked after them when they were young and helped them achieve success,” he told reporters during his visit.
Guan Eng also reminded the younger generation to treasure the contributions of senior citizens.
In Penang, the state government rewards senior citizens annually with RM100 cash as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the state’s growth.