KULAI: A 62-year-old widower claimed that vulnerable elderly women were being targeted by foreigners seeking marriage for personal gain.
Hasmah Ghazali, who has lived alone since her husband passed away 10 years ago, said she rejected multiple marriage proposals from foreign men.
She also claimed that some of these foreign men allegedly leave their Malaysian spouses in financial distress.
She also claimed that her friends who married foreigners, often much younger, now faced hardship, with some suffering from domestic violence or abandonment.
"Some foreign men only want to marry us to start businesses or secure financial rewards.
"In some cases, they use the local women's identities to accumulate debt," she said.
Hasmah, who lives in the Taman Desa Idaman flats, cautioned elderly women, to be wary of the motivations behind such marriages, which are often questionable.
"We must consider their true intentions. It's essential to avoid actions that could tarnish the family's reputation or create further problems."
Living on monthly financial assistance of RM600 from the Johor Islamic Religious Council and the Social Welfare Department, Hasmah struggles to make ends meet.
The aid she receives covers her rent, utility bills and basic food necessities, with little left for other essentials.
"I often have to tighten my belt. Sometimes, I only eat rice with tofu or tempeh because of financial constraints."
Once a security guard and later a dishwasher in Senai, Hasmah was forced to stop working in 2020 after suffering severe injuries from a fall at work.
She later developed heart and nerve complications, leaving her unable to support herself.
"I've faced hardship, especially after my husband's death after caring for him when he suffered a stroke," she said.
Despite her health issues, including recurring injuries from a second fall two years ago, Hasmah remains determined to stay independent. However, she admits it is a struggle due to her worsening condition.
"I've been advised to avoid heavy work due to my heart condition, and I still attend follow-up treatments at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital," she said, adding that most of her income goes towards medical costs and transportation.
Hasmah, a mother of three and grandmother of 10, said her two sons, who live separately, have their own families to support, and her married daughter is a housewife.
She hoped the state religious council will consider increasing her monthly aid.
Her plea came after she received groceries donation from Econsave Cash and Carry general manager Mas Imran Adam today.