SUBANG JAYA, MALAYSIA: After years of hobbling around on crutches, former lorry driver Muhammad Kadir, 87, is over the moon after receiving a New Year gift in the form of a wheelchair.
He and his wife M. Sarojana, also 87, were given a wheelchair each by the Sikh Medical Welfare Society, which presented the gifts last week at the couple's home in Kampung Baru Subang, near here.
“I have been suffering from diabetes for 20 years and had to use crutches to move about,” said Muhammad, who had his right leg amputated below the knee in July.
Sarojana, also a diabetic, had to use a swivel chair to move about after a 2004 operation caused three toes on her right foot to be removed.
Useful gifts: Dr Sardul (left) and Samy paying Muhammad and Sarojana
a visit at the couple’s home in Kampung Baru Subang recently.
The couple live with two of their children while one married daughter lives away.
Their eldest son, who works at a metal scrap yard, helps in the upkeep of the household while another daughter is still studying.
“It is hard to cover our medical bills and to pay the house rental,” said Muhammad, adding that he and his wife each receives RM300 a month through an assistance scheme for the disabled while their son chips in from his meagre RM600 monthly salary.
The society's president Dr Sardul Singh said they presented the wheelchairs after hearing about the couple's plight from local businessman P.K. Samy.
They found the couple sick when they visited their house.
“We had to call an ambulance from the Sungai Buloh Hospital to get them medical treatment,” said Dr Sardul.
He said the society hopes to get Muhammad a prosthetic leg through public donations.
“Although the society was set up by the Sikh community, it serves all Malaysians and aims to open a clinic that offers free treatment for the poor and needy of all races.
“We are trying to collaborate with other agencies to work on this cause,” he said, adding that future plans include dialysis centres and medical centres in the Klang Valley.
Meanwhile, those wishing to donate towards getting a prosthetic leg for Muhammad can do so via the Persatuan Kebajikan Perubatan Sikh Malaysia bank account (CIMB 1426-0008845-05-8).
For enquiries, contact: Dr Sardul at 019-241 1470 .