KUALA LUMPUR: Asrul Effendi Mat Isa's heart is full of joy as he not only cares for his mother, Maziah Ujang, 73, who suffers from mild stroke at home, but also looks after five residents under the Alhadid persons with disabilities welfare organisation.
Effendi, 50, who is also a single father to three children, said he used to work as a car salesman but stopped due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since then, he, residing in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Selangor, has not held a steady job before becoming a full-time volunteer at the organisation since April last year.
Effendi said he had no prior experience caring for individuals with special needs, but he was willing to volunteer because he enjoys interacting with them.
Effendi refers to himself as a father to the residents at the care centre, despite some being of similar age to him.
"After quitting my job, a close friend took me to visit centres for the disabled, orphans and the elderly.
"The visits to these centres touched me deeply, which led me to volunteer after learning about the organisation's plan to open last year.
"Honestly, I was not prepared, but I was determined to help care for them and instill in my mind 'I want to have another child' as motivation to come here.
"I called myself a father because I consider them like my own children and part of my life," he said when met recently.
Effendi said he starts work every day as early as 8am.
Upon arriving at the care centre, he prepares breakfast for the five residents before engaging those aged 12 to 50 in indoor or outdoor activities.
"Usually, I ask them what activities they would like to do, whether it's learning, recreational activities or others.
"I follow their preferences because I don't want to force anything. Besides, they have autism, physical and intellectual disabilities.
"I need to understand them, but if they're in the mood, I invite them to activities including outdoor recreation, Quranic recitation and prayers.
"I also cook, clean and purchase necessities with the help of three other volunteers," he said.
Effendi admitted that his role demands strong mental fortitude and patience.
"Strong mental resilience is essential, and most importantly, you need a high level of patience because they (residents) think like children despite their age.
"There's a lot of sweetness here; they never make me sad because every visit is filled with joy and laughter.
"My children also come here and my eldest is very happy to be with them," he said.
Effendi said it never crossed his mind to quit as a volunteer at the care centre.
Instead, he wants to continue serving as long as his service is needed.
"I never miss a day, even when I'm not feeling well. I have even come at night, although my working hours are from 8am to 5pm.
"As long as I live, I want to continue being here. These special individuals are a blessing and I never feel burdened or consider them a hassle," he said.