ALOR GAJAH: Despite facing financial hardship, an elderly man in Kampung Ayer Limau, Masjid Tanah, remains steadfast in caring for his wife, who suffered a stroke, and their two schoolgoing children.
Mohd Nor Firdaus Abdullah, 68, said his life had changed completely after his wife, Asmaini Zainal Abidin, 44, who previously worked as a dishwasher, suffered a stroke and was no longer able to work, requiring full-time care.
He said he had previously worked as a beverage maker at the same eatery as his wife but had to quit his job to focus entirely on caring for her, as she could only move with the aid of a wheelchair.
He added that he also had to manage the schooling of their two children, aged 12 and seven, both of whom were persons with disabilities, including one diagnosed with autism.
“Currently, I am unable to work and our family depends solely on monthly assistance from the Melaka Islamic Religious Council (Maim) and the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“With the assistance, we are able to cover daily expenses, including paying RM250 in monthly rent, as well as purchasing disposable diapers for my wife, who also suffers from diabetes,” he said when receiving a visit from Masjid Tanah member of parliament Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin at his rented home in Kampung Ayer Limau here yesterday.
He added that he had received some diaper assistance from Japerun, but it was insufficient, forcing him to purchase additional supplies on his own.
When asked about his decision to embrace Islam nearly 20 years ago, Mohd Nor Firdaus said he received guidance in 2007 in Semenyih, Selangor, and that the decision had led to him being estranged from his family to this day.
“Since embracing Islam, I have had no contact with my family.
“Although I no longer have family support, I will continue to care for my wife and children for as long as I live,” he said.
He said that during Ramadan this year, financial constraints meant they could only prepare simple meals for sahur and breaking fast.
“This Ramadan has been quite emotional, and only in the fourth week were we able to have chicken for breaking fast.
“That too was after receiving a cash contribution from Mas Ermieyati last Saturday, which allowed my children to enjoy a proper meal,” he said.
He added that preparations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year would be modest due to their financial situation, as both he and his wife were no longer working as they had in previous years.
“Usually, not many people visit during Hari Raya and we celebrate quietly as a family of four at home.
“Moreover, I have long been estranged from my family, while my wife is unwell, so we will celebrate in a simple manner,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mas Ermieyati said she was concerned about the family’s situation and that her team planned to organise a gotong-royong soon to clean their rented home.
She said the programme would also include efforts to raise funds to purchase essential items so the family would not be left behind in celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is just days away.
“With the funds collected, we will provide several necessities for the family, including rubber mats, a clothing rack, a gas stove and a rice cooker.
“We will also work together to clean the house so that they can celebrate Syawal like other families,” she said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
