KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Hospital has refuted claims by a Rohingya family that they have been forced to beg at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to finance the cost of surgery for their 10-month-old son.
The infant, Mohamad Yasin Mohammed Rafique has been diagnosed with a health condition known as hydrocephalus, where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain which causes the head to swell.
An HKL spokesperson said the total cost of surgery and follow-up treatment for a year had been funded by a group of donors.
“The estimated cost of surgery to drain fluid away from the brain of the boy is about RM8,800 excluding one year of outpatient treatment.
“This patient is recognised by the UNHCR so the family is entitled to a 50 per cent discount off the total cost,” the spokesperson said, adding that the family would not have to pay a single sen for the medical cost as donors had stepped forward to pay the costs.
It was reported that the Rohingya family started begging for money nine days ago by stationing themselves at the TBS.
The boy’s father, Mohammad Zubair Mohammad Nur, 24, claimed the family had been reduced to begging for money from passers-by as they were racing against time to raise money for the baby's surgery, slated for July 3.
Zubair, who previously introduced himself as Yasin’s uncle, fled Myanmar six years ago and has been living in Malaysia since.
Yasin developed the condition when he was five-months-old and the condition has caused his head to swell to a circumference of 75cm.
The HKL spokesperson said the baby was not in a life-threatening condition and some charity groups had expressed interest in supporting the child.
Meanwhile, a volunteer who first got to know about the family’s so-called plight said she was shocked to read about what Zubair had told the media.
Mary Ann Dennis said she recognised Zubair when she read the story on the New Straits Times’ online page.
“I have visited this family personally after the UNHCR got in touch with us. I recognised the man in the photo, he (Zubair) is Yasin’s father.
“My husband and I accompanied the parents when Yasin was in hospital on June 14. We have paid the deposit required for admission and surgery. The family need not pay a single sen,” she said.
Mary Ann said she has raised RM15,800 since the fundraiser started in May. The fund will cover the surgery cost and one year of outpatient treatment for Yasin.
She said the doctor had advised Yasin to stay in confinement at home, as he is on antibiotics for two weeks before the surgery.
“We were shocked to see them begging on the street. When the father (Zubair) was confronted by us, he said he begged in an attempt to get more money for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations,” she said.
To read the original story go here:
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/06/251906/rohingya-family-turns-...