JOHOR BARU: A stroke patient who pawned her phone for food due to rising medical costs will now receive a monthly stipend to ease the family's burden, said Johor State Islamic Affairs committee chairman, Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.
Norazifa Othman, 40, a masseuse, was not been able to work or look after her disabled 5-year-old son after she suffered a stroke less than a month ago.
Her husband, Mohd Fauzi Haron, a delivery rider, had taken over the responsibility to look after their son and is unable to work full time.
"No one in this state should face the prospect of pawning assets just to eat. All relevant agencies must ensure that this does not happen again," Fared said after visiting the family today.
The family, who received financial aid from various agencies, have been struggling after the unexpected medical costs depleted their funds, leaving them unable to even buy food.
Fared said the Johor Welfare Department would assist the family with a monthly payment of RM800, while the Johor Islamic Religious Council would contribute RM500 monthly.
He said the financial aid would help cover the family's rent at the People's Housing Project (PPR) in Taman Perling.
"They receive RM1,550 in monthly aid, and had one-off assistance for special medical needs, unpaid rent and necessities for their younger child," he said.
However, he acknowledged that the financial aid was insufficient given Norazifa's health condition and her family's predicament. She also has a daughter studying at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara.
"We have agreed to increase the family's medical assistance, which will be adjusted based on the needs certified by government doctors. The Religious Department will also help them with monthly financial aid," he said.
Accompanying him was Johor State Women, Family, and Community Development committee chairman, Khairin-Nisa Ismail.
She said the visit allowed them to better understand the family's challenges and they would provide immediate aid, including food supplies.
Norazifa said that she did not expect some many people to come forward and offer help, donations and prayers after their predicament was highlighted in the New Straits Times Press media group.
She said a group of volunteers also visited them to distribute donations.