NOTE: The claims made in this story have since been found to be untrue. Go here to read our follow up article:
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/06/252266/sick-rohingya-childs-f...
KUALA LUMPUR: A Rohingya family is desperately seeking help from the public to save their 10-month baby, whose suffers from a condition which has caused his head to swell up.
Mohamad Yasin Mohammed Rafique has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain.
He developed the condition when he was five-months-old.
The condition caused Yasin's head to swell to a circumference of 75cm, putting pressure on his brain which leaves him with breathing difficulties and unable to move his head.
His mother, Omar Akhtar Mohammad Nur, 18, lives in a partitioned unit in Kampung Cheras Baru with her elder brother, Mohammad Zubair Mohammad Nur, 24, and two younger brothers aged eight and six.
The family have been reduced to begging for money from passers-by at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) six days ago as they are racing against time to raise money for the baby's surgery, slated for July 3.
Zubair said Yasin would have to be admitted on July 2.
Doctors have told the family that if they manage to raise the RM9,800 deposit, the operation will proceed. Yasin will be treated with a shunt system insertion to drain cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain.
However, doctore have warned the family that even if the operation is successful, Yasin would not be a 'normal' child.
"They told us that although the size of his head will be reduced, he won't be able to walk and talk.
"But if he doesn't undergo the surgery, he will die," said Zubair.
Zubair said his family are all UNHCR-recognised refugees.
The UN agency has agreed to undertake half of the total surgery cost, which is RM20,000 according him.
However, he says he has yet to hear anything from them on when they would pay for Yasin’s surgery.
The family collects around RM200 to RM300 daily from kind strangers at the TBS.
Zubair was previously a scrap metal collector and made about RM1,000 a month. However, he had to stop working to take care of his sister (Omar) and Yasin.
He said they would stop begging once they manage to raise enough money for Yasin's surgery.
"We have no choice because we do not have the money."
Omar and Yasin arrived here 15 days ago from Kuantan, Pahang.
Yasin was previously treated at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA). Doctors had referred him here as Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) has the appropriate equipment and specialists to treat his condition.
Yasin's father, a factory worker, is currently being warded at HTAA after a road accident in which he broke his legs.
"We are living on my savings which has about RM1,000 left. I paid RM3,500 for Yasin’s hospital discharge recently.
“I go to UNHCR office every day to ask for help but have yet to receive any word.
“We are saving every cent we have to pay for the surgery. The monthly rental and Yasin’s diapers both cost us RM600 per month,” he said.
Zubair fled Myanmar alone six years ago while his siblings arrived here three years ago.
Yasin is confined to his bed and is only able to move his limbs. His mother said his health is getting worse and that he urgently needs help.