Bullied cancer survivor clings to 'bantal busuk' signed by Tunku Ismail

JOHOR BARU: A 10-year-old cancer survivor, who is recovering from alleged bullying incidents believed to have caused brain trauma, is expected to be discharged from a private hospital today.

The boy received a royal morale boost when the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim; his son, the Raja Muda of Johor; and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) star winger Arif Aiman, fondly dubbed the “Messi of Malaysia”, visited him at the hospital yesterday.

The Year Four pupil, an avid fan of Tunku Ismail and JDT footballers, was thrilled to receive signed jerseys, caps and other football merchandise. He received six jerseys and three caps, which excited him the most.

In a shy yet heartwarming moment, he even asked Tunku Ismail to autograph his “bantal busuk,” which now bears signatures from both the Regent and the football star.

His mother said the visit lifted his spirits so much that he ate heartily afterwards and could not stop recounting the encounter to his family over video calls.

“He proudly showed the autographed jersey to his father, sister and uncles, eagerly narrating the royal encounter while reminding them that he can wear a new jersey every day for six days,” she said.

“If his condition continues to improve, he will be discharged later today,” the mother of six added.

The 39-year-old housewife said that Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad and other state leaders had also visited her son and assured her that the alleged bullying incidents would be thoroughly investigated.

She said that her son was overjoyed with the JDT merchandise, which he proudly wore to bed last night, including the autographed cap.

The boy’s ordeal began after two incidents in February and earlier this month, in which he was allegedly bullied by classmates, leaving him with a brain concussion and ongoing memory and concentration difficulties.

For now, however, the young JDT fan is simply looking forward to resting at home, with his cherished signed “bantal busuk”, JDT jersey and cap never far from his side.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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