KUCHING: A 55-year-old carpenter from Taman Desa Wira here is battling a rare disease that prevents him from swallowing, forcing him to rely on tube feeding and the support of his wife and local NGO Hope Place for survival.
Phang Jee Fatt was first diagnosed with a bacterial infection last year and has since developed complications that left his throat swollen internally, making it impossible to consume even water.
Doctors have since inserted a feeding tube into his stomach, allowing him to take special milk every few hours.
Hope Place, alerted by Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) social workers, has stepped in to provide Phang with the milk supplements he depends on.
“I feel hungry all the time, and I want to eat, but unfortunately, I cannot.
“I also feel very tired and weak all the time,” Phang said.
Phang’s wife, Mui, 54, works long hours at a kuey chap stall to support them, earning just above minimum wage.
The couple’s four adult children seldom visit, and Phang now relies on a RM500 monthly welfare aid to make ends meet.
