ALOR STAR: Nor Aza Hamzah's Perodua Kancil might be worthless if put up for sale, but for the widow and mother of four, her "old junk" is a lifeline.
The 43-year-old, who lost her husband, Mohd Asri Zakaria, to kidney cancer two years ago, relies on the ageing car to send her children to school and take her mother-in-law for medical checkups.
"I don't have anything else in this world aside from my children and this old Kancil," she said.
"It has broken down many times, but I don't have the money to buy a new one and can only afford repairs when I manage to save enough."
Nor Aza has four children aged between 3 and 11. She also cares for her 75-year-old mother-in-law, Aishah Salleh, and a mentally ill aunt. One of her children is autistic.
"I grew up an orphan, and I've been staying with my mother-in-law. That's why I do everything I can to provide for the family, including raising ducks to make salted eggs," she said at Aishah's home in Kampung Senjana, Mukim Titi Gajah.
Nor Aza also earns RM100 a week cleaning fish, which she uses to maintain her car.
"There are times I feel embarrassed to face others because of my situation, but with the rising cost of living, I'll keep doing everything I can for my children and family," she said.
Her struggles have caught the attention of netizens.
Cancer Survivors Malaysia chairman Zuraini Kamal said the organisation had previously helped clear Nor Aza's RM3,000 debt for her children's education fees.
"We are also assisting her with groceries," Zuraini added.
Those wishing to help Nor Aza and her family can do so via her Bank Islam account: 02039024571709.