By Nazli Ibrahim
SHAH ALAM, Dec 25 — The events of 1999 remain vividly etched in YM Ong's memory, which marked a turning point, inspiring her and her late husband Albert Ong, to establish the Good Samaritan Home.
The scene is still clear in her mind — a young boy, aged around seven to twelve, stood anxiously at her doorstep, reeking of kerosene. Through tears, he explained that his intoxicated father had doused the family in kerosene and threatened to set them alight.
Without hesitation, Albert rushed to the boy's family home, located in an estate in Klang. He managed to calm the father and diffuse the situation.
[caption id="attachment_384458" align="alignright" width="482"]
Good Samaritan Home co-founder YM Ong speaks to Media Selangor during its Christmas celebration programme at the Concorde Hotel in Shah Alam, on December 19, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
From that moment, they took the boy into their care.
This pivotal experience inspired the couple to help children neglected or abandoned by their parents, leading to the establishment of the Good Samaritan Home. Although her husband passed away in 2020, Ong continues their shared mission.
Founded in 1999, the Good Samaritan Home was initiated by the couple to provide shelter for abandoned children from infancy up to the age of 10.
“These children come from troubled families. Some were abandoned at hospitals at birth, while others faced various family issues.
"For those aged 10, we investigate their background first,” she explained during a programme hosted by the Concorde Hotel Shah Alam on Thursday (December 19) to celebrate the home’s residents for Christmas.
To date, the registered welfare home, recognised by the Social Welfare Department, has cared for over 100 children.
Like their own family
In addition to being abandoned at birth, the children often come from families dealing with severe challenges, like parents in prison, drug addiction, or chronic alcoholism.
Raised as if they were her own, these children receive love, care, and education, often reaching higher education levels. They fondly refer to YM Ong and her late husband as "Mami" and "Papa."
The couple also sought scholarships and sponsorships to enable the children to pursue their studies.
“I have raised more than 100 children. Many of them went on to attend university. Some became accountants, physiotherapists, chefs in Singapore, nurses, early childhood educators, and more. Currently, I have seven students in college pursuing various fields.
“Our relationship is as close as a large family. They call me Mami, and they called my late husband Papa,” Ong said.
During festive seasons, the "children" working outside Selangor, including those in Singapore, return home to celebrate Christmas together.
“When Christmas comes, the children get excited because they get to visit a hotel, sing Christmas carols, enjoy delicious meals, decorate the Christmas tree, and more,” she said.
The residents of the Good Samaritan Home were also celebrated by the Concorde Hotel Shah Alam for Christmas this year.
According to its assistant manager Haliza Mansor, it has become a tradition for Hotel Concorde to honour the less fortunate during festive seasons, including Christmas and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
In addition to entertainment by the Batak band "Los Ganesha," the hotel organised programmes including a mini cake decorating contest, a magic show, and a special lunch feast.
However, managing an institution like the Good Samaritan Home comes with its challenges. Supported by ten staff members, one of the biggest hurdles for Ong is securing funds for operations.
“The challenge is how to obtain public donations. Fortunately, many kind and generous people in Klang are willing to help. They ask what we need and buy it for us — fish, chicken, vegetables, canned food, and more. Some also donate cash.
“Raising these children is no easy task. Each has their own personality. That is why I need to spend time with them every day,” she said.
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One of the Good Samaritan Home's residents enjoying the Christmas celebration programme at the Concorde Hotel in Shah Alam, on December 19, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
