KUCHING: While many Muslim families continue to celebrate Aidilfitri with joy and laughter, it is a sombre occasion for one family in Petra Jaya who is grappling with serious health and financial challenges.
Surya Yuki, 38, from Kampung Semerah Padi, is currently battling multiple illnesses, casting a shadow over this year’s festivities and a team from Hope Place Kuching recently visited the family after being alerted by a social worker from Sarawak General Hospital.
Surya, who was in good health until late last year, was diagnosed with leptospirosis – commonly referred to as rat urine disease – in December.
She began experiencing insomnia, blurred vision and numbness in her limbs before collapsing at home, where she was found unconscious by her sister.
Surya was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a month.
However, her ordeal did not end there.
Further medical examinations revealed that she also suffers from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, anaemia, vision impairment and knee arthritis.
Now heavily reliant on medication, Surya remains weak and has suffered significant weight loss, Hope Place said in its press release.
The family’s financial situation is equally dire as her husband, Herryzuan, 42, is the sole breadwinner, earning an unstable income as a grasscutter.
“Their eldest son, Naim, 18, works part-time at a carwash to help support the family.
“Meanwhile, their youngest child, aged 10, is still in school, while two other children, aged 15 and 18, have dropped out due to financial constraints.
“An elderly father-in-law, aged 82, also lives with the family,” the statement said.
“Without a vehicle, Surya relies on e-hailing services for her regular hospital visits, further straining their limited finances.
“The family has applied for assistance from Baitulmal and the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) and is hoping for approval soon.”
Hope Place is currently providing basic food aid to the family and those wishing to assist can contact Hope Place Kuching at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
Donations can also be made directly to Maybank account 511289001160 or via their Sarawak Pay (S Pay Global) QR code available on their Facebook page.
All contributions are welcome, and official receipts will be issued upon request.
