When attempting to transfer her children to a local school, Kak Nor encountered discouragement from a teacher who described the school as “horrible.” Although taken aback, her children reassured her that they could overcome the challenges.

Unfortunately, their school transfer application was denied, forcing them to enrol in a different nearby school. Despite these setbacks, Kak Nor remained undeterred. It was only a matter of time before she would recognize her unique role in shaping lives—both her own and those of others.

Low-Cost Housing and Community Challenges

The Department of Statistics of Malaysia classifies Malaysians into three income bands: T20 (Top 20), M40 (Middle 40), and B40 (Bottom 40). To address housing disparities among lower-income groups, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government introduced two low-cost housing options: PPR Homes for Ownership and PPR Homes for Rent. These homes cost around RM35,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM42,000 in East Malaysia, offering basic three-bedroom units with built-up areas of at least 700 square feet.

In urban areas like Lembah Subang, where population density is higher, apartment complexes rise to 18 floors and include amenities such as community halls, kindergartens, playgrounds, suraus (prayer rooms), garbage disposal areas, retail spaces, and facilities for the disabled. In less densely populated suburban areas, low-cost homes are typically landed terrace houses.

Lembah Subang hosts two PPR apartment projects, with Noraishah’s residence comprising eight 17-storey apartment blocks, housing approximately 24,000 people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Despite the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing options, residents face challenges like vandalism, unemployment, drug abuse, and school absenteeism. The B40 community, often stigmatized, becomes a focal point for NGOs seeking to uplift its residents through empowerment programmes.

Will of Women: Empowering B40 Women

A new NGO, Women of Will, emerged, offering a microcredit financing programme for 100 B40 women from various PPRs. Alongside seed funding for entrepreneurial ventures, the organization provided training to equip women with the tools for economic sustainability and resilience. Kak Nor seized this opportunity, using RM2,000 in funding to start a roadside stall selling nasi lemak, goreng pisang, and ice cream.

Women of Will provided essential support by offering courses in bookkeeping, debt management, online marketing, public speaking, and grooming, coupled with business coaching and mentoring. These programmes not only empowered women but also fostered a sense of community among residents across all eight blocks.

Tragedy struck in 2017 when Kak Nor’s husband and business partner passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Grieving his loss, Kak Nor took a break from her Women of Will involvement and deferred her business venture until 2018. She found herself with ample time but limited mobility, unable to drive or ride a bike, relying on public transportation.

A Focus on Youth Empowerment

During this time of reflection, Kak Nor turned her attention to the youth of PPR Lembah Subang 1. She noticed high levels of vandalism, truancy, and school absenteeism among the children. Recognizing the dearth of youth-focused programmes in the area, she decided to take action.

“I wanted to get to know the youths, so I started inviting them for meals,” she explained. Soon after, Kak Nor opened her home to provide English and Math tuition. Students reached out to her via WhatsApp for homework assistance. To enrich their experience, Kak Nor tapped into her creative side, crafting musical instruments from recyclable materials. Buckets became drums, plastic bottles and sticks transformed into drumsticks and mallets, while flattened aluminium bottle caps were assembled into a tambourine-like abacus. PVC pipes formed a makeshift xylophone or PVC drum, with slippers as mallets.

The students formed a mini-ensemble named Perwaris and were occasionally invited to perform at small events, earning modest sums as tokens of appreciation. They even participated in the Stompers percussion competition, securing second place and an RM3,000 cash prize. This group of enthusiastic percussionists expanded their horizons, engaging in Nasyid recitals and competitions organized by the Majilis Perbandaraan Subang Jaya.

With newfound pathways into the youth community, Kak Nor recognized the need for a dedicated space where structured programmes could flourish. She believed that education held the key to transforming lives, especially after the challenges posed by the Covid-19 lockdown.

The IT Centre: Nurturing Future Leaders

Kak Nor, along with volunteers, secured a shop lot in the NZX Commercial Centre to establish an IT Centre. This space accommodates up to 70 children, offering opportunities to improve computer literacy and participate in training sessions. Organizations like Teach for Malaysia, Taylor’s University, and Women of Will contributed 10 computers to the IT Centre.

On Saturday mornings, Teach for Malaysia volunteers provide Math and English lessons to seven to fifteen-year-olds in small groups. Another NGO, Mereka Belia, offers public speaking and innovation development courses, alongside training in applications like Canva and Microsoft Excel for youths and adults aged 15-35.

While juggling various responsibilities, Kak Nor actively seeks collaborations with partners to equip youths with the skills necessary for a brighter future. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing these young individuals as assets to the community and the nation.

Measuring Impact and Future Plans

Kak Nor has witnessed a positive impact, reducing school truancy among students. Many now utilize their time constructively, seeking part-time employment during breaks. Some have even progressed to higher education institutions. She believes that each student possesses an “X-factor” and envisions a future where they become scientists, astronauts, and leaders.

Kak Nor continues to manage her business to supplement her income, collaborating with NGOs to sustain the IT Centre and its programs. She plans to expand her reach to more PPR students, training former students to become trainers themselves. Additionally, she aims to engage with the Indian and Chinese communities, exploring initiatives such as Silambam classes—a traditional Indian martial art.

In her pursuit of progress and equality for B40 groups, Kak Nor encourages parents to instill positivity in their children, ensuring that circumstances do not limit their aspirations. She firmly believes that by changing one life, one can inspire many others to follow suit.

Kak Nor’s journey embodies resilience, community spirit, and the transformative power of education. In the heart of Lembah Subang’s low-cost housing, she stands as a beacon of hope, lighting the way for a brighter future for the B40 community and beyond.

Noraishah binti Othman, affectionately known as Kak Nor, embarked on a transformative journey when she and her family moved to Lembah Subang. Born and raised in Melaka, Noraishah followed her husband, who served in the Royal Malaysian Army, as he was posted to various locations. 

Before their move, to Lembah Subang, they resided in Bandar Sunway, just 12-15 kilometres away. Their decision to relocate was influenced by timely advice from her husband’s friends regarding an affordable housing development.

In 2012, they settled in PPR Lembah Subang 1 (Program Perumahan Rakyat), a government initiative aimed at providing low-cost housing to B40 households with limited incomes. Despite some societal stigma, Kak Nor embraced her new home, believing that others were facing even greater challenges. 

When attempting to transfer her children to a local school, Kak Nor encountered discouragement from a teacher who described the school as “horrible.” Although taken aback, her children reassured her that they could overcome the challenges.

Unfortunately, their school transfer application was denied, forcing them to enrol in a different nearby school. Despite these setbacks, Kak Nor remained undeterred. It was only a matter of time before she would recognize her unique role in shaping lives—both her own and those of others.

Low-Cost Housing and
Community Challenges

The Department of Statistics of Malaysia classifies Malaysians into three income bands: T20 (Top 20), M40 (Middle 40), and B40 (Bottom 40). To address housing disparities among lower-income groups, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government introduced two low-cost housing options: PPR Homes for Ownership and PPR Homes for Rent. These homes cost around RM35,000 in Peninsular Malaysia and RM42,000 in East Malaysia, offering basic three-bedroom units with built-up areas of at least 700 square feet.

In urban areas like Lembah Subang, where population density is higher, apartment complexes rise to 18 floors and include amenities such as community halls, kindergartens, playgrounds, suraus (prayer rooms), garbage disposal areas, retail spaces, and facilities for the disabled. In less densely populated suburban areas, low-cost homes are typically landed terrace houses.

Lembah Subang hosts two PPR apartment projects, with Noraishah’s residence comprising eight 17-storey apartment blocks, housing approximately 24,000 people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Despite the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing options, residents face challenges like vandalism, unemployment, drug abuse, and school absenteeism. The B40 community, often stigmatized, becomes a focal point for NGOs seeking to uplift its residents through empowerment programmes.

Will of Women: Empowering B40 Women

A new NGO, Women of Will, emerged, offering a microcredit financing programme for 100 B40 women from various PPRs. Alongside seed funding for entrepreneurial ventures, the organization provided training to equip women with the tools for economic sustainability and resilience. Kak Nor seized this opportunity, using RM2,000 in funding to start a roadside stall selling nasi lemak, goreng pisang, and ice cream.

Women of Will provided essential support by offering courses in bookkeeping, debt management, online marketing, public speaking, and grooming, coupled with business coaching and mentoring. These programmes not only empowered women but also fostered a sense of community among residents across all eight blocks.

Tragedy struck in 2017 when Kak Nor’s husband and business partner passed away suddenly from a heart attack. Grieving his loss, Kak Nor took a break from her Women of Will involvement and deferred her business venture until 2018. She found herself with ample time but limited mobility, unable to drive or ride a bike, relying on public transportation.

A Focus on Youth Empowerment

During this time of reflection, Kak Nor turned her attention to the youth of PPR Lembah Subang 1. She noticed high levels of vandalism, truancy, and school absenteeism among the children. Recognizing the dearth of youth-focused programmes in the area, she decided to take action.

“I wanted to get to know the youths, so I started inviting them for meals,” she explained. Soon after, Kak Nor opened her home to provide English and Math tuition. Students reached out to her via WhatsApp for homework assistance. To enrich their experience, Kak Nor tapped into her creative side, crafting musical instruments from recyclable materials. Buckets became drums, plastic bottles and sticks transformed into drumsticks and mallets, while flattened aluminium bottle caps were assembled into a tambourine-like abacus. PVC pipes formed a makeshift xylophone or PVC drum, with slippers as mallets.

The students formed a mini-ensemble named Perwaris and were occasionally invited to perform at small events, earning modest sums as tokens of appreciation. They even participated in the Stompers percussion competition, securing second place and an RM3,000 cash prize. This group of enthusiastic percussionists expanded their horizons, engaging in Nasyid recitals and competitions organized by the Majilis Perbandaraan Subang Jaya.

With newfound pathways into the youth community, Kak Nor recognized the need for a dedicated space where structured programmes could flourish. She believed that education held the key to transforming lives, especially after the challenges posed by the Covid-19 lockdown.

The IT Centre: Nurturing Future Leaders

Kak Nor, along with volunteers, secured a shop lot in the NZX Commercial Centre to establish an IT Centre. This space accommodates up to 70 children, offering opportunities to improve computer literacy and participate in training sessions. Organizations like Teach for Malaysia, Taylor’s University, and Women of Will contributed 10 computers to the IT Centre.

On Saturday mornings, Teach for Malaysia volunteers provide Math and English lessons to seven to fifteen-year-olds in small groups. Another NGO, Mereka Belia, offers public speaking and innovation development courses, alongside training in applications like Canva and Microsoft Excel for youths and adults aged 15-35.

While juggling various responsibilities, Kak Nor actively seeks collaborations with partners to equip youths with the skills necessary for a brighter future. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing these young individuals as assets to the community and the nation.

Measuring Impact and Future Plans

Kak Nor has witnessed a positive impact, reducing school truancy among students. Many now utilize their time constructively, seeking part-time employment during breaks. Some have even progressed to higher education institutions. She believes that each student possesses an “X-factor” and envisions a future where they become scientists, astronauts, and leaders.

Kak Nor continues to manage her business to supplement her income, collaborating with NGOs to sustain the IT Centre and its programs. She plans to expand her reach to more PPR students, training former students to become trainers themselves. Additionally, she aims to engage with the Indian and Chinese communities, exploring initiatives such as Silambam classes—a traditional Indian martial art.

In her pursuit of progress and equality for B40 groups, Kak Nor encourages parents to instil positivity in their children, ensuring that circumstances do not limit their aspirations. She firmly believes that by changing one life, one can inspire many others to follow suit.

Kak Nor’s journey embodies resilience, community spirit, and the transformative power of education. In the heart of Lembah Subang’s low-cost housing, she stands as a beacon of hope, lighting the way for a brighter future for the B40 community and beyond.