A 65-year-old widow, Azmi Zainuddin, is in need of help to live, as injuries sustained in a recent motorcycle accident has incapacitated her. She is bedridden and has to rely on her children to see her through each day. But with 12 mouths to feed she is at a lost as how to come to terms with reality.
“We can withstand the hunger, but for how long?” the widow lamented. Azmi’s injuries prevents her from working. Her savings from her income as a traditional masseuse is fast depleting.
The motorcycle Azmi and her son, Mohd Zuri Zambri, 44, were riding was hit by a car soon after they left the junction of Taman Sabas, Bercham. The impact sent them crashing on the road. The motorcycle was a total wreck.
Both were treated at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Ipoh. Mohd Zuri slipped into a coma lasting over a month while his mother’s ribs were broken. In spite of having recovered, Azmi’s legs are still immobile and at times becomes numb.
“My family’s life is getting from bad to worse. Before this, my son and I work and make a living, but we no longer do now.
“My health is deteriorating fast. I only drink syrup when I’m hungry. That’s all that’s left, as we can’t afford to buy anything edible,” she told Ipoh Echo when met at her rented flat at Taman Bercham Aman.
Mohd Zuri suffers from mental illness and has been so for the past 21 years. He is jobless and depends on his mother for his daily needs.
“I live in this rented flat with eight grandchildren, a daughter-in-law and my two sons.
“Previously, my other son, Mohd Anuar, 43, who worked as a labourer, was the breadwinner. But due to recurring swellings on his right thigh he has to quit his job and rest,” she said.
Mohd Anuar’s wife, Norazian Bahari, 42, is partially blind. She has been for the past 24 years due to surgery to remove a brain tumour.
“Fortunately, we receive RM350 monthly from the Social Welfare Department and another RM350 from Baitulmal.
“However, the amount is not sufficient to cover our daily expenses. I am owing two months rental,” said Norazian.
Readers wishing to help can visit the family at their flat No.7, Block 16-G, Rumah Pangsa Bercham, Taman Bercham Aman, 31400 Ipoh, Perak. You can also make a contribution by depositing your money into OCBC savings account number: 72 02 52 74 14 in favour of Mohd Anuar Zambri.
Rosli Mansor
