Last January, Pari’s catering business and home were engulfed in flames.
A year later, it remains in ashes. Burnt utensils, a caved-in roof, cracked cement flooring and soot-stained walls are constant reminders of the place he and his family once called home.
Pari said “The HoneyPot Food Caterer” was famous for its delicious, authentic Indian dishes, but now it is struggling to stay afloat.
A family enterprise that started with his mother almost three decades ago, they had big plans for their business which now seem unattainable, especially without a fully functioning kitchen.
Pari has been a rock, holding his family together and picking up the pieces. However, 2021 was anything but kind to them.
The fire set the tone for the rest of Pari’s year, which also saw the death of two of his siblings after they contracted Covid-19.
After the fire, politicians from several parties said they would help Pari and his family rebuild their home and business. Since their assurances were not in black and white, there was no follow-through.
“We were willing to accept help and financial support, but it was just a verbal promise. They even did a live press conference, saying they were going to help us.
“We also gave the relevant documents to parties like PKR, Barisan Nasional, MIC and Bersatu, but nothing came out of it,” he said, lamenting politicians who made promises only for political mileage.
Pari said he even reached out to one elected representative who had promised to help, but he was turned away because of a political conflict with another MP.
“From fire victims, we became politicised victims,” Pari said, shaking his head.
Pari also questioned why the two politicians had not handed over efforts to help the family to the new government during the political transition last year if they could not keep their promises.
“They left us in a lurch. My mother can’t handle more loss, but we put faith in the promises made by those who said they would help. They should walk the talk,” he said.
Refusing to take things sitting down any longer, Pari decided to take matters into his own hands.
“My mother, my wife and I took the first step to confirm land ownership and an MP sent us a recommendation letter to help expedite the process. We need this documentation so we can officially apply for a catering licence and start from scratch,” he said determinedly.
To date, he has not heard from the Selangor land office.
He told FMT that he had contacted some influencers to help him raise funds. He also received some financial assistance from the MP but the amount was not enough to rebuild his home or revive his business.
“Our customers have provided us with strong support even after we told them about our situation,” he said.
As Pari showed FMT what was left of his home, he pointed to a papaya tree at the far back of the compound. He said that a year ago, that very tree had been burnt but now it bore fruit unlike the promises made to him and his family by the politicians who said they would help.
Clearly, Pari and his family have a long way to go before they are back on their feet. To get by now, they are more than agreeable to receiving help in cash and in-kind.
“I am asking the public, those who can, to come forward and help us get back on track,” he said.
Donations can be made directly to CIMB Bank Berhad account 7004710261 with the reference “The HoneyPot Food Caterer”.
For enquiries, contact Pari at +6 016 318 7601.