By Aida Aziz
IPOH: The life of this family of three can be likened to falling from bad to worse.
Rosliana Mohd Mokhtar, 46, suffers from vision problems due to bleeding in her eyes and diabetes, and has had her left leg amputated.
Her right leg has metal rods inserted due to a recent road accident.
This single mother can only lie down because she often feels dizzy and occasionally has seizures.
Her youngest child, 11-year-old Nur Izzaty Aqilah Akmal Hisham, has to take care of her mother since her eldest child, 17-year-old Ardlen Azwira Abdul Rahman, is studying in Batu Pahat, Johor.
In addition to facing financial difficulties, there is a possibility that Ardlen may have to stop studying due to his mother’s deteriorating health.
According to Rosliana, although she receives assistance from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and Baitulmal, it is not enough as she can no longer work.
Besides having to cover the school and educational expenses of her two children, she sometimes struggles with food shortages.
“I used to work as a nursing assistant in a private hospital, but I had to quit due to health issues.
“Both my eyes cannot see, only shadows. I had treatment before, but diabetes has worsened the condition.
“Yes, I receive assistance from JKM and Baitulmal, but it’s not enough that sometimes Ardlen has to use his allowance from college to help us.
“There are times when we have to ration our meals, if there’s no money for food, my youngest has to ask friends for some money to buy food,” she said, living in a family home near No 11, Tingkat Perpaduan 5, Taman Perpaduan.
Meanwhile, Ardlen Azwira mentioned that he might have to stop studying given their situation.
Moreover, he cannot bear to let his youngest sibling take care of their mother alone, which causes him to miss school frequently.
“I just resumed my studies at the end of last year at the IT Base Skills Centre in Batu Pahat, taking a welding course.
“The problem arises when my mother needs follow-up examinations and treatments, and my youngest sibling often doesn’t go to school because they have to take care of her.
“Our income is indeed insufficient; I have to use the allowance I receive from college to provide for my mother and my sibling.
“I’m in a dilemma now because if I stop, I have to repay a certain amount to the college, but if there’s no choice, I will have to quit, as I’m the eldest and need to support the family,” he said, with two semesters left.
A representative from the Saham Akhirat Taman Saga group, Salina Long, hopes for a solution to this issue.
“My child attends the same school as Nur Izzaty Aqilah, and I’ve been informed that she frequently misses school due to her family’s problems.
“What’s sad is that her child often complains of hunger and lack of food at home, we help as much as we can and send food,” she said.
The Chairperson of the Puteri Kebajikan Negeri Perak Welfare, Wan Noorashikin Noran, when met, stated that the assistance received is indeed insufficient.
“The family’s issue is limited finances, as two of her children are still studying. Rosliana also needs to travel to the hospital frequently.
“I’ve discussed with the relevant authorities, and they mentioned that Rosliana is eligible for one-off assistance.
“The eldest child may also need to stop studying, and if possible, Rosliana’s siblings could provide more support to this family,” she said.
For those who wish to make contributions, they can contact Rosliana at 018‑716 2801
