PASIR MAS: The son of an elderly man accused of being neglected has broken his silence, describing his heartbreak after being labelled unfilial by a social activist.
Abdullah Ismail, 59, said his family had been diligently caring for his father, Ismail Che Noh, 79, who has suffered from dementia for over a year.
Ismail, known as Pak Mail, lived in a small house next to Abdullah’s home in Kampung Repek following the death of his wife.
“My father refused to live with us. I asked my eldest son to stay with him, but his behaviour became increasingly aggressive, and he would break things and mess up the house,” Abdullah said when met yesterday.
He explained that while his son eventually moved out, the family continued to care for Ismail.
Abdullah would buy him meals every morning and return during his lunch break from work in Wakaf Bharu to bathe him and ensure he had eaten.
Abdullah refuted claims by an activist that the family had abandoned or locked up the elderly man without reason.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/02/1374024/elderly-stroke-victim-discovered-living-alone-neglected-state
“We had to keep him indoors because he would wander off due to his dementia. People who knew him often had to bring him home. There is no issue of neglect,” he said.
He claimed the activist’s group arrived at the home while only his daughter was present, broke down the door, and took his father away while preventing his daughter from explaining the situation.
The elderly man was taken to Pasir Mas Hospital and left there. Abdullah later brought him home and noted that a police report had been lodged against the family.
“I will care for my father until the end of his life. He has been moved into our house now, though he still gets angry and wants to return to his old home. We will install grilles in his room to prevent him from wandering out,” he added.
Apam Putra assemblyman Zamakhshari Muhamad, who visited the family to donate a lounge chair and mattress, said he had been aware of the case for two weeks and had been discussing aid with local leaders before the matter went viral.
Representatives from the Pasir Mas Social Welfare Department also confirmed that a monthly assistance of RM500 has been approved for Ismail.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
