KUCHING: Roland Jimbai, the father of two-year-old Missclyen Roland, who was diagnosed with congenital generalized hypertrichosis (CGH), expressed profound gratitude for the concern shown by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, towards his daughter.
Upon learning of Their Majesties’ visit to the Al-Falah Mosque in Kampung Penan Muslim Batu 10, Jalan Bintulu-Miri on yesterday (Sept 10), Roland, along with his wife, Theresa Guntin, 31, and Missclyen, eagerly awaited their arrival.
The mosque was conveniently located, less than 10 minutes from their home. They patiently waited from 1.30pm until 5.30pm, determined not to miss the chance to meet the King and Queen.
“We didn’t want to leave as we were afraid that we might miss the chance to meet the King, and I really wanted to meet the King,” Roland shared when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune.
The 49-year-old Iban father of four children recounted that the wait for the royal couple was entirely worthwhile, and he was overjoyed that Their Majesties even took photos with Missclyen.
“I am incredibly happy that we had the chance to meet the King and Queen. I am still at a loss for words,” he said.
He also recalled the King’s words: “Jaga baby ini dengan baik-baik. Ini anak rahmat dari Tuhan” (Take good care of this child, as this child is God’s grace).
Roland, originally from Tatau and currently working in a welding workshop in Bintulu, expressed his hope of meeting Their Majesties again in the near future.
“I hope, if given the opportunity, I would love to meet the King and Queen again,” he added, mentioning that he, his wife, and Missclyen left the venue at around 8pm.
Roland and Theresa have been blessed with four children, including three daughters and one son, with Missclyen being the youngest.
Regarding Missclyen’s health, Roland mentioned that his daughter is doing well and continues to have occasional check-ups at Bintulu Hospital.
Previously, Sin Chew had reported that Missclyen was diagnosed with CGH, a rare disease characterised by excessive hair growth all over the body, a condition the couple was unaware of during pregnancy.
Roland also revealed that they initially faced social stigma, with people giving their child strange looks and even referring to her as a “ghost child.”
“Initially, we were really hurt and felt stressed. We felt upset and began avoiding bringing her to public places, except for hospital follow-ups. We were so afraid of what people were going to say,” Roland explained.
However, they have since overcome their fear and accepted the fact that not everyone will look the same. They also understand that many do not comprehend their daughter’s rare condition, hence the curiosity.
Roland expressed gratitude for the many people who have come forward to offer help after learning about his daughter’s condition, including providing donations to cover expenses for travel to Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching for follow-up appointments.
Meanwhile, the King and Queen are currently on the ‘Kembali Kenali Borneo’ expedition from Sept 3 to 13, covering a total distance of 2,154km from Tawau, Sabah, to Telok Melano, Sarawak, along the Pan Borneo Highway, which connects Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei.
