KUANTAN: After having to sell their family's land, car, and gold, there's still almost RM100,000 to settle for their brother Azhar Mohamad's medical costs after he suffered a stroke in South Korea three years ago.
Azhar, 39, who worked as a production operator at a factory in Jincheon, South Korea, was found unconscious by a friend at home after suffering a stroke on Aug 31, 2021.
Since then, his family has had to pay RM200,000, with help from some public donations, to cover a medical bill amounting to RM280,000.
They were only supposed to be left with RM25,000 to pay, but because of the high exchange rate, the outstanding balance rose to RM94,153.
"My siblings and I have agreed to sell our family's land, car, and our late mother's gold to cover my brother's remaining medical treatment costs, which is more than RM94,153 and needs to be settled with Chungbuk National University Hospital, South Korea," said Azhar's sister, Nora Mohamad, 46.
She said that although it was very difficult to part with the few assets they have, the debt must be settled. She added that they were worried about the potential legal action they might face, and Islam mandates that debts must be paid.
"In May, I submitted an appeal letter requesting a reduction in the treatment costs charged to Azhar, but so far, there has been no response from Chungbuk National University Hospital.
"My siblings and I are now at a loss as to how to come up with RM94,153, and the only option available is to sell some of our assets, even though it is very difficult for us to do so.
"We have to sacrifice whatever we can after our efforts to collect money over the years, including seeking help from relevant parties, have not been successful," she told Berita Harian yesterday.
"My siblings and I are now at a loss for how to find the financial resources to pay the remaining medical costs, as the longer it takes, the more the outstanding balance increases," she said.
The family is worried about legal action from the hospital for failing to settle the medical costs by the deadline, which was in October last year.
Nora said that with a remaining balance of more than RM94,153, it is almost impossible for her and her family to come up with that amount, given that they are not a family of means.
"Selling part of our assets is the last resort we have to take. Last year, I applied for assistance from the Pahang Menteri Besar's office and the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Muip) to help resolve the financial issues we are facing, but so far, there has been no response.
"Azhar is still receiving scheduled treatment at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA). Although his condition is improving, he still frequently suffers from fever and seizures," she said.
After receiving treatment for his stroke in South Korea, Azhar was brought back to Malaysia with the help and contributions from various parties.