Ikea partners MSF to help up to 1,700 ComLink+ families

Firm will provide support with job opportunities,home refurbishment

- Shermaine Ang

Part-time driver Muhammad Rahmat's eight children aged six to 14 used to study at the void deck beneath their two-room rental flat in Yishun.

But after refurbishment work done in their home in July, the family of 10 now have a brand-new study table and cabinet spaces for each child's school books.

The kitchen, which previously had an exposed gas stove, posing a danger to the children, also has had new induction cookers installed.

And the walls of their flat, which they have lived in for six years, have got a fresh coat of white paint.

"It's a blessing to my kids. Because if I myself wanted to do what Ikea did, I don't think I can afford it," said Mr Rahmat, 37, who has suffered recurrent heart attacks and could not take on the repainting of the flat himself. "I see my son putting in a lot of effort to sit down at the table and study for the PSLE."

The family are the first to get their home refurbished under a new tie-up between Swedish furniture company Ikea and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to enhance support for lower-income families with children in public rental flats under the ComLink+ scheme.

Under the scheme, these families will be given financial incentives and other support if they work towards improving their lives.