Malaysian couple cares for severely disabled daughter for over 40 years
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Halimah Said, 65, and Mat Ail Mamat, 78, have cared for their severely disabled daughter, Rosnani, for 41 years.
- Rosnani requires constant care, similar to an infant, due to oxygen deprivation at birth.
- The elderly couple faces challenges with their own declining health and worries about their daughter's future care.
In Kampung Baru Tok Dor, Malaysia, Halimah Said, 65, and her husband Mat Ail Mamat, 78, have dedicated over four decades to caring for their severely disabled daughter, Rosnani Mat Ail, who is now 41. Their commitment continues despite their advancing age and declining health.
A mother's love never changes, even if the child is not perfect. As long as we have the strength, my husband and I will continue to care for her.
Rosnani requires round-the-clock care, much like an infant, because she cannot sit, speak, or manage any self-care activities. This condition stems from oxygen deprivation to her brain shortly after birth, which led to developmental delays and physical stiffness. Her parents meticulously manage her daily needs, including feeding, changing diapers, bathing, and repositioning her body, with assistance from their other children.
"A mother's love never changes, even if the child is not perfect. As long as we have the strength, my husband and I will continue to care for her," Halimah said. However, she expressed deep concern about Rosnani's future, particularly what will happen when she and her husband are no longer able to provide care. Their own health issues, including Halimah's high blood pressure and diabetes, and Mat Ail's general frailty, add to their worries.
It's just that now we are getting older and our health is not like before. I have high blood pressure and diabetes, and my husband is also getting weaker.
The family relies heavily on their children who live with them for Rosnani's care. They also depend on public donations. Rosnani receives a monthly welfare assistance of RM500 from the Department of Social Welfare, but this amount is almost entirely consumed by her monthly expenses for milk and diapers, which total around RM500. Those wishing to help can contribute to Mat Ail Mamat's Bank Simpanan Nasional account (1111841000131685).
What worries me most is thinking about Rosnani's fate if my husband and I are no longer around.
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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