PUCHONG: Eight-year-old Ikhwan Yunus Mohd Ridzuan is different from other children his age as he suffers from a rare condition known as Achondroplasia.
The bone growth disorder results in dwarfism due to a genetic mutation in the arms and legs.
Ikhwan's parents, Esah Mohamad@Wong Chin Ken, 41, and Mohd Ridzuan Ali, 39, are still very grateful and count their blessings to be able to have him as their son.
Because of how unique and special he is, Ikhwan has attracted the attention of netizens after his mother Esah began sharing videos on Facebook and TikTok.
Speaking further, Esah said that ikhwan is the youngest of three siblings and is the only one in the family with such a condition.
"I was told by the doctor about Ikhwan's condition when he was still in my womb at 34 weeks as a result of a scan.
"I was shocked when I found out, because we do not have anyone in the family prior to this who suffered from dwarfism, but he is our son regardless and we love him very, very much," said Esah, who lives in Kampung Sri Aman here.
Esah said there were mixed reactions from those around them but thankfully many were positive compared to those who were negative.
Deep in her heart, Esah admitted to being hurt and offended by harsh, hurtful words hurled at them though she tried to ignore such negativity.
"Once I had finished my confinement, only then did I inform the rest of the family about Ikhwan's condition.
"At the time, there were those who said that our son was born like that because of certain factors it seems, saying that Ikhwan can't walk, that he has short legs and other very hurtful words and statements.
"It was so painful and disheartening and it broke my spirit, but my husband, and close relatives and good friends gave encouragement and support.
"I also reminded myself to be calm and be grateful for being able to have Ikhwan in the first place," she said when contacted by Harian Metro.
According to her, they have told Ikhwan about his condition from when he was very young, about how different he is from most others.
"I tell him that he is a cute child who is special and we are frank with him about his condition because we want him to know.
"It's just when he started schooling, there were other students who stared at him and gave him dirty looks, some were even bold enough to ask him about his condition and situation.
"Such a situation is something I do not want my son to face, but then it is out of our hands and control really.
"Whatever it is, Ikhwan is quite mature despite his young age, and he is quite active and every day he tries to be like others by being independent because he does not want his teachers or classmates to treat him like he is unable to do things or take care of himself," she said.
Esah said there are no expectations, goals or targets apart from wanting to see Ikhwan grow up and be accepted by community and society.
"I hope that the community and society is able to accept him in a positive manner and light, and this is not just for him but for other Persons with Disabilities (PwD) as well.
"This is why we are brave enough to share Ikhwan's story on social media starting with Facebook about five years ago and then on TikTok.
"We do not want pity or crave for popularity, but to educate the Malaysian public that there are some very special children in this world such as Ikhwan because many are unaware of such children in the first place," she said.