KUANTAN: For more than 10 years, security guard Che Hanapi Che Hassan and his wife, Kamilah Yaakob, have been raising six of their nieces and nephews, who became orphans following the death of their parents, alongside the couple's three children.
Although earning a modest monthly salary of RM1,500 may seem overwhelming to look after 10 people in a household, Hanapi, 44, does not see it as a challenge to raise the children.
Hanapi said he and his 48-year-old wife are more concerned about the children and do not want them to be separated from each other.
"Trust in sustenance from Allah," said Che Hanapi from Kampung Padang Rumbia, Pekan near here.
"Alhamdulillah, since taking them to live with us, our family has been doing well.
"We have managed to provide education for all of them," he added.
His journey into extended parenthood began shortly after his marriage to Kamilah in August 2007, when she was already caring for three orphaned nieces and nephews who had lost their parents.
About four years later, the couple decided to take in the remaining three, ensuring that all six siblings could maintain their family bonds.
"There's nothing more fulfilling than seeing these six children (nieces and nephews) happy and united.
"I couldn't bear to see them separated, so I chose to care for them all until they become adult," he said.
Today, their household has evolved.
One of the orphaned relatives they took in has married and blessed them with a grandchild, while two others have established careers in Bentong, Pahang and Klang, Selangor.
"Thank you Allah for all the blessings. We are grateful for everything Allah has planned," he said.