KUANTAN: TEN-YEAR-OLD Intan Maisarah Zulliazam carries a heavy burden on her shoulders, much greater than other children her age when it comes to providing for her family.
She has taken it upon herself to supplement the household income by working part time at the charcoal kiln near her home.
The child earns RM20 daily working in Kampung Belakang Kilang Arang, Batu 6, near here.
Intan Maisarah said she was disheartened to see her mother, Lizawati Mustafa, work as a sweeper after her divorce in May and decided to help her earn extra money.
“After school is over and I have finished my homework at home, I will head to the kiln to work,” she said.
Intan Maisarah, who is in Year 4 at SK Fakeh Abdul Rahman here, said the kiln operator took pity on her family’s plight and gave her a job.
“I get RM20 to help around the kiln for three to four hours daily. My work involves picking up the charcoal after it cools off and removing the ashes.
“Sometimes, I skip classes as I want to help my family but I hope I will be able to finish schooling.”
Lizawati, 33, of Jerantut, said she earned RM800 a month as a sweeper at SM Sains Sultan Ahmad Shah.
She has four other children aged between 3 and 12, with the eldest child diagnosed with dyslexia.
“My income barely covers the needs of the family,” she said, adding that RM200 a month was for house rental. The house is run-down with planks of the wall coming off while the roof leaks when it rains.”
Lizawati said she relied on an old motorcycle to go to work and send her children to school at SK Fakeh Abdul Samad and SK Pandan.
She said she applied for financial aid from the state Welfare Department two months ago but had yet to get a response.
Peninsular Malaysia Malay Students Union (GPMS) Pahang chapter committee member Mohd Isharizall Mohamad Sahak, who visited her home, said his organisation would highlight her plight to the authorities.
GPMS gave the family groceries and school supplies collected from the Pahang Matriculation College Staff Welfare Club, Pahang Foundation, District Youth Council, State Islamic Affairs Council and Welfare Department.
Isharizall said the contribution consisted mostly of school items for Lizawati’s children.
“Previously, the children received scholarships from the Pahang Foundation. We will try to get them aid to ease their burden.”