KUALA LUMPUR: Surrendering children to be placed under the care of welfare homes is the toughest decision any parent can make.
This was the dilemma faced by a 39-year-old single mother with four children after her husband divorced her several years ago, according to a report published by Kosmo today.
The woman, who wished to be known only as Sal, said she had no choice but to send all her children, aged between 8 and 13, due to financial constraints and for their well-being.
Following her divorce, Sal from Sik, Kedah, rented a room in Ipoh, which was not conducive for her to raise her four children.
"I am a direct-selling salesperson. My working hours are irregular, and my income is insufficient, as there are times when I only earn RM1,000 a month.
"There are times when I can't give my children enough pocket money, so they have to make do with just drinking plain water at school," Sal said in the report.
She added that there were times when her children complained of hunger, and she felt saddened for not being able to provide for them.
"I am disheartened by my situation. That's why I decided to send my children to a welfare home in Ipoh," she said, adding that she still gets to spend time with her children and take them out on weekends.
Sharing a similar predicament is single father Mohd Nor, 42, from Bidor, who ekes out a living as an odd-job worker. His wife passed away five years ago, leaving behind two children, aged 11 and 13, who chose to stay with him.
"I only do odd jobs in the village, so my income is irregular. Due to the small wages, I felt it would be better to send them to a welfare home to ensure they are taken care of.
"My children also understand my situation," he said.
Perak Welfare Department director Nor Tipah Majin said there is nothing wrong with parents who are struggling to send their children to welfare homes for their well-being.
"Such action ensures that the children's lives are better cared for, especially in terms of food, drink, and clothing.
"Moreover, parents can still visit their children at the welfare home and provide them with attention and love," she said.
She, however, said the welfare homes must be registered under the Care Centres Act 1983 or relevant regulations to ensure that their operations are monitored by the authorities.