KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Sin Chew Daily) — A Russian couple stranded in Malaysia for close to two months owing to the Movement Control Order (MCO) enforced by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19 ended up delivering a baby inside a vacant bungalow near the Russian embassy.

Many people have extended a helping hand to them after learning of their plight.

Yevgeny and Natalia Pervin originally planned to return to Russia at the end of March but were stranded in the country as the MCO went into force. Natalia even delivered their baby boy in a vacant bungalow on Jalan Mesra.

Pervin said as he did not have sufficient cash and his wife was about to deliver, they ended up staying inside the vacant bungalow until this day. 

Ivan, their baby boy was born on April 13.

As more people living in the vicinity, foreign workers, bungalow owner and the police came to know about them, many came forward with necessity items and baby stuff for the foreign family.

"The police bought pampers for my baby, while the owner supplied me with a bicycle for me to go out shopping. The Bangladeshi and Indonesian workers at a nearby construction site also visited us.

"I am very grateful to Malaysia and the so many kind-hearted people here. The Chinese, the Malays and the Indians have all helped us a lot," he said.

Pervin said the bungalow was equipped with electricity and water supply, and he only needed a rice cooker and a pan to cook.

He has also sought help from the Embassy of Russia to process the documents for their newborn baby, and hoped he would be able to go back home on May 22.

The owner, identified as Mr Huang, said the bungalow was left vacant for more than a year, and he had a gardener to trim the grass regularly.

"When the gardener was trimming the grass in early May, he discovered the couple and took photo to inform my brother. That was when we came to know that someone was occupying the bungalow," he said.

Later, Huang's brother found out that the couple was stranded in Malaysia and had nowhere else to stay. The wife delivered a few days after they sneaked into the locked bungalow.

"We know they have no money and can't afford to pay for accommodation. We do not plan to chase them away or ask them for money. They are only staying for a few weeks and their situation is actually quite pitiful," he said.

The generous owner and friends bought some baby items, bread and food for the couple.

Huang has planned to lease the bungalow. An embassy nearby has also expressed its intention of renting his premises but plan was put on hold due to the MCO.