KUALA LUMPUR: The trauma of the death of her adopted son, Zubaidi Amir Qusyairi Abd Malek, fondly known as Amir, has significantly impacted the health of 51-year-old Norlida Hassan.
Norlida's daughter, Tuhfah Nazihah Md Tarmidi, 29, revealed that her mother suffered a stroke after learning about Amir's tragic fate in January 2021.
Previously, it was reported that Norlida had returned Amir to his biological mother in October 2020 after caring for him for six years.
On Feb 10 2021, Amir's biological mother, Zuraida Atan, and her husband, Mohd Fadzli Abdul Razak, were charged in the Melaka Sessions Court with murdering the boy.
The couple pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
"Since the incident, my mother's health has deteriorated. Last Saturday, she was rushed to Selayang Hospital after my father, Md Tarmidi Yaccub, 56, noticed early signs of another stroke," she said.
Medical examinations revealed high blood sugar levels, and Norlida was administered insulin. "Overall, her health has improved and stabilised," Tuhfah added when contacted today.
Additionally, Tuhfah shared that her mother suffers from trauma-induced delirium and has been diagnosed with dementia.
"Her emotions are unstable. Sometimes she's fine, but other times she isn't. She often repeats the same things, especially about Amir.
"When she starts talking about Amir, we try to change the topic, but it doesn't work. What triggers her is when people who know her bring up Amir in conversation," she explained.
Tuhfah acknowledged that her mother's declining health has emotionally affected the entire family, as they all share in the grief of losing Amir.
"Honestly, it's not just my mother who's affected — it's the whole family. But her condition is more severe because of her health.
"At this time, she only wants my father to take care of her. We hope her health improves and that she remains strong through this ordeal," she said.
Earlier, a TikTok video showing Norlida's husband comforting her in a hospital went viral.
Netizens shared messages of support in the comments, offering words of encouragement to Norlida and her family to stay strong.
On Jan 30 2021, Harian Metro reported that Amir was found dead in a water container at his home in Taman Krubong Jaya, Melaka, with signs of injuries and bruises on his body.
The stepfather reported the death to the police, claiming that Amir drowned in the water container.