Part 3/9:

Social Networks and Community Support

Longtime residents recount how their local community functioned like a kampung, with neighbors sharing keys, helping interpret government documents, and offering companionship. For many, the community center was a vital hub for activities like exercise, bingo, and casual gatherings, reinforcing social bonds that safeguarded their well-being.

Relocation fragmented these networks. Many elderly residents found themselves cut off from familiar amenities and social spots. The new estates often lacked the well-established community support structures and personal relationships that had formed over decades. The challenge became clear: moving isn’t just about changing addresses but preserving the social ecosystem that sustains these residents.