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Grandmother raises two grandchildren alone after son's death
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Culture & Society

Grandmother raises two grandchildren alone after son's death

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A 72-year-old grandmother is raising her two teenage grandchildren alone after their father died.
  • The father, Shahir Zainul, died from acute coronary syndrome on June 11, with his death only discovered when the hospital contacted the family about an unclaimed body.
  • The grandmother expressed gratitude for aid from religious and welfare departments, emphasizing her priority is her grandchildren's well-being and education.

In George Town, Malaysia, 72-year-old Salmah Samsudin has taken on the sole responsibility of caring for her two teenage grandchildren, aged 15 and 13, following the death of her only son, Shahir Zainul. Shahir died on June 11 from acute coronary syndrome, but his passing was only revealed when Penang Hospital contacted his family about an unclaimed body.

Although I am getting older and can no longer work as I used to, I accept this trust willingly to ensure my grandchildren's welfare and future are taken care of.

— Salmah SamsudinSalmah Samsudin, 72, speaking about taking responsibility for her grandchildren after her son's death.

Salmah stated that the children's biological mother is not taking responsibility, leaving her as the only support for the two siblings. "Although I am getting older and can no longer work as I used to, I accept this trust willingly to ensure my grandchildren's welfare and future are taken care of," she said. "I have raised them since they were little. As long as I can, I will ensure they grow up well and continue their schooling."

I have raised them since they were little. As long as I can, I will ensure they grow up well and continue their schooling.

— Salmah SamsudinSalmah Samsudin, 72, speaking about her commitment to her grandchildren's upbringing.

The loss has deeply affected the grandchildren, though they struggle to express their grief. Salmah recounted how her younger grandson refused to eat on the night he saw his father's body but resumed eating the next day, having been hungry since the previous day.

Alhamdulillah, thank you very much. At least we have enough to eat. Even if we cook simple dishes, we are grateful, and my grandchildren never complain.

— Salmah SamsudinSalmah Samsudin expressing gratitude for aid received.

Salmah also shared her gratitude for the assistance received from various parties, including Zakat Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang (Zakat MAINPP) and the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). These contributions include monthly aid that eases the family's financial burden. "Alhamdulillah, thank you very much. At least we have enough to eat. Even if we cook simple dishes, we are grateful, and my grandchildren never complain," she said. "I don't mind hardship for myself. The important thing is that my grandchildren have enough to eat and can continue to study. That is what I hope for most."

I don't mind hardship for myself. The important thing is that my grandchildren have enough to eat and can continue to study. That is what I hope for most.

— Salmah SamsudinSalmah Samsudin on her priorities for her grandchildren.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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