Family seeks help after breadwinner paralysed
Family's world turned upside down after tragedy
KOTA BHARU - A family of five is struggling after their sole breadwinner, Abdul Latif Ibrahim, 34, was left paralysed following a freak accident.
Abdul, the father of three, was struck by a falling coconut, leaving him in a coma for three months and now unable to speak or move.
The incident occurred on March 10 as Abdul travelled from his home in Pengkalan Chepa to his mother's house in Kampung Tok Dir, Cherang Ruku, Pasir Puteh.
His wife, Siti Farhanis Mustapha, 23, recounted the tragic day when Abdul, after removing his helmet, was hit by a coconut picked by monkeys from a tree approximately 30 metres high.
"As a result of being hit by the coconut, Abdul’s skull was fractured, causing internal bleeding, and the little toe on his right foot was broken as he fell off the motorcycle.
"He underwent surgery to remove part of the skull on the left side of his head and now he is bedridden, requiring intensive care, feeding through a tube, and has a tracheostomy for phlegm removal," she said.
Siti revealed that Abdul used to earn around RM2,000 a month as a cake maker, which supported her and their children, who are between five months and four years old.
Due to the incident, she had to send their youngest child to her sister in Kubang Kerian, as she could not manage the young children under the current circumstances.
"Before, my husband provided for everything, and now it is my turn to care for him and take him to the hospital for monthly follow-up treatments.
"We also do not have enough money to cover the approximately RM2,000 expenses for special milk, disposable diapers and medication for Abdul, in addition to the RM480 monthly rent," she said.
Siti, who has sold all her jewellery to cover living expenses, is now relying on support from her mother and siblings.
The couple's children receive RM750 in Child Assistance from the Social Welfare Department, but they have not yet applied for aid from the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Customs Council.
Those who wish to assist the family can donate to Siti Farhanis Mustapha's Bank Islam account at 03139023005340 or contact her mother at 013-9635085.
