by LI YITING 1002477276, FAN CHUANBIN 1002474645
CHEN HENGXIANG 1002579440, LI ZITONG 1002476676

XU YINGBO 1002477250

KUALA LUMPUR — Inside the lively living room of the “House of Broken
Angels” in Cheras, laughter echoes constantly. Several residents chat on the sofa, while others paint and joke together like true siblings. This sensory warmth is exactly what center manager Mr. Yap envisioned, completely defying the stereotypical gloom of a disability shelter.

The official signboard of the “House of Broken Angels”

More Than Charity

Founded in 2017, the sanctuary currently shelters 18 residents living with physical or intellectual disabilities. While Mr. Yap manages their daily routines and meals, he fiercely rejects the label of “charity”. “I see them as family,” he said. His deep devotion stems from his youth, spent accompanying a congenitally disabled relative whom everyone treated differently. By treating him as an equal peer, Mr. Yap realized a profound truth: “What people with disabilities need is equal treatment, not pity,” he emphasized.

The residents of the “House of Broken Angels” gather around a table to chat and share lighthearted moments

From Conflicts to Community

The transformation required immense patience. Since Mr. Yap assumed leadership in 2020, resources have stabilized through public and volunteer aid. However, emotional trust took much longer to build. “At first, there were many conflicts,” Mr. Yap recalled. “Trust took a long time to build.” The journey of 17-year-old Shu Xin beautifully embodies this progress. Living with learning and intellectual disabilities, she arrived introverted and shy, withdrawing into silent drawings. Under Mr. Yap’s patient accompaniment, she now proudly displays her vibrant artwork and dreams of becoming a professional painter.

Mr. Yap assists a resident in a wheelchair

“Uncle Yap is like my father. He always encourages me and hangs my paintings on the wall.” — Shu Xin

Unconditional Safe Haven

Despite constant operational strains, including material shortages and residents’ unstable psychological conditions, Mr. Yap persists without seeking external honors. “If I stop, this family may disappear. I cannot betray their trust,” he admitted. Looking ahead, his vision remains humble yet fierce. “As long as they’re healthy, that’s all that matters,” he said. Residents here are never defined by disability labels; they possess unique talents, genuine friendships, and the absolute freedom to be themselves.

Mr. Yap patiently accompanies Shu Xin as she works on her painting