An 86-year-old woman from Penang was rescued from her double-story home after years of hoarding left her trapped inside, surrounded by mountains of rubbish and recyclable materials. The elderly woman, who lived alone on Jalan Mano, had accumulated so much clutter over the years that she could no longer move freely within her house, and eventually became unable to leave it.
Authorities were alerted to her dire situation when her family, concerned about her health, contacted the Civil Defense Force (APM) for help. When officers arrived, they found the house filled with trash, not only inside but also overflowing onto the porch, where three cars were parked. The sheer volume of waste created a hazardous environment, leaving the woman buried amidst her own belongings.
According to reports from the New Straits Times (NST), APM personnel arrived at the scene at 4:40 PM on Sunday, October 13, after receiving a distress call from the woman's family. APM northeast district officer, Muhammad Aizat Abdul Ghani, shared that the woman's relatives were deeply concerned about her well-being, as she had become prone to falls and would frequently call them in the middle of the night for assistance.
The family, after securing the woman's consent, expressed their desire to move her to an old folks home for better care. "Four APM personnel were roped in for the task and managed to carry the woman out using a stretcher," Muhammad Aizat said.
Once rescued, the elderly woman was given first-aid treatment and assessed for her medical condition. She was found to be suffering from multiple health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, hearing problems, and general physical weakness. Her hoarding, combined with these health challenges, had made her situation even more dangerous.
This incident highlights the often-overlooked issue of hoarding, which can lead to serious health risks and isolation for elderly individuals. The woman's family now hopes to ensure that she receives proper care and attention in a safe environment.
Source: NST
