We have almost nothing to survive on by the middle of the week after paying bills and household expenses. I have been looking for jobs relentlessly.

I approached CDC for financial assistance in December last year and they took quick action. They wrote to Hong Kah Town Council and Power Supply about my financial situation, asking both these authorities to give me with an extension of time or an instalment plan.

Power Supply insisted I pay at least $400 to keep the power at home connected. CDC spoke to them on my behalf, but they refused to budge.

I called personally to plead for understanding. The customer service officers were rude and rigid.

After my wife received her salary at the end of January, we paid Power Supply with the last few hundred dollars we had.

But today they sent their technician to cut our supply again, insisting I should pay another $200 in 2 days' time or they will disconnect it.

I have spoken with the company but it is not showing any kind of understanding about my situation, even though our appeal was lodged by the CDC.

This is the same with the town council. It has imposed a legal fee of $200 on top of my outstanding bill.

All I seek is a little help. With our Government making a lot of effort to help Singaporeans cope with rising living costs, I am disappointed that some authorities are not taking the initiative to help.

Basheer Mohamed Sultan