A heartbreaking story of a family in Batu Caves, Selangor, recently went viral after they were forced to give their 3-month-old baby ‘Teh O’ (black tea) as they couldn’t afford formula milk.
The family’s struggles came to light after Malaysian philanthropist Kuan Chee Heng, better known as Uncle Kentang, revealed that their baby was suffering from severe malnutrition.
Malaysian couple struggle to provide for their five children
Mira and her husband had been shouldering the heavy responsibility of caring for five young children aged 7, 5, 3, 2, and their youngest, a 3-month-old baby, while struggling to make ends meet and ensure there was enough food on the table each day.
Adding to their struggles, they were also behind on their RM900 monthly house rent.
“The most heartbreaking part was when we were informed that their 3-month-old baby was sometimes given diluted Teh O to drink because they could no longer afford to buy formula milk,” the statement read.
After learning about the family’s heartbreaking circumstances, Zakat Selangor quickly stepped forward to provide much-needed assistance.
Zakat Selangor steps in to aid struggling family
In a show of compassion and swift action, Zakat Selangor, alongside Taman Templer assemblyman and state executive councillor YB Anfaal Saari, paid a visit to Mira and her family at their home in Selayang Segar Apartments.
The visit saw Zakat Selangor, together with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the village chief, extending immediate assistance through emergency aid and essential food supplies. Several arrangements for further support were also identified and expedited to help ease the family’s burden.
The delegation was joined by Batu Mukim Chief Penghulu Tn. Haji Zahiri, MPS councillors, Selayang Baru Village Chief, JKM officers, e-Kasih officers, representatives from the Taman Templer state assembly office, and other relevant agencies.
Checks revealed that the family had previously received zakat assistance while living in Kuala Lumpur. However, the aid was discontinued after they relocated to Selangor in March as they began rebuilding their lives in a new environment.
“Mira and her husband are not seeking sympathy. They simply want to keep doing their best for their children. They hope their children can grow up with enough food, enough milk, and the same opportunities as others.
To all zakat contributors, these are among the families your contributions are helping. Your zakat is more than just financial aid. It puts food on the table, provides diapers and milk for babies, and gives mothers the strength and hope to carry on. May Allah ease this family’s journey and grant them strength and wellbeing,” the statement added.
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