She said four of Private Suria Mohamad Hassan’s children will also be receiving child assistance aid from the welfare department from next month.

She said Suria, his wife and their five children, aged two to 14, had been living under the bridge and using firewood to cook their meals.

“They have been living in poverty here (under the bridge) for the past two years, even before the pandemic. We sometimes overlook things. The family, especially his children, need help as they are still in school. They must be given a place and education so that they will not be left behind.

“I understand that DBKL (City Hall) will take a week to finalise the housing matters but for now the transit house will be their home,” she told reporters after meeting the military veteran here today.

She said Suria’s family had received food aid and financial support from the ministry and the National Welfare Foundation. The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council and the Malaysian Armed Forces veterans affairs department are also helping.