Cancer survivor goes from battle to blackboard
KAJANG: Breast cancer survivor, Aisyah Humaira' Mohd Aqbal, is a step closer to achieving her ambition of becoming a Bahasa Melayu (BM) teacher.
The 23-year-old Alor Setar native dedicated her achievement to her late mother, her pillar of strength who encouraged her to take up teaching.
Graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching with a major in BM for primary education, Aisyah said her journey was filled with obstacles – but she never gave up.
She was diagnosed with Stage Four breast cancer last year.
'Right after the diagnosis, the doctor started me on chemotherapy. I went through nine sessions and it was a painful experience.
'We had to change the chemo drug three times because it wasn't working. Eventually, I was put on hormone therapy and now take medication daily,' she said during the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM) convocation ceremony in Bangi yesterday.
Throughout her battle with cancer, Aisyah was determined to finish her studies.
'I didn't want to waste the five years I had put into this journey.
'Being sick was never an excuse. I was determined to complete this,' said the IPG Darulaman campus graduate.
Even though she often missed classes on chemotherapy treatment days, Aisyah kept up with lessons thanks to her lecturers and friends.
'I would WhatsApp my lecturers after chemo sessions and catch up on what I missed.
'My friends really helped me, especially with assignments. They shared materials and even their food with me,' she said.
The second of three siblings explained that her father was her other pillar that kept her strong.
'My father makes and delivers kuih to local shops in Alor Setar. He and my late mum built the business together, and now he continues it.
'(My mother) had knee problems and couldn't walk, but in the end, it was a stroke and Covid-19 that took her. I just wish she could be here to witness this.
'My mum encouraged me to apply to IPGM after my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams. She always loved teaching and recommended me to major in teaching BM.
'If she were here, I'd just want to say thank you. This degree is for her,' she said.
Asked what kept her motivated throughout her illness, she said it was all about purpose.
'Stay strong. If you feel down, look at the people around you.
'We all have someone we want to make proud – our parents, our siblings. Don't give up,' she said.
The four-day 15th Education Ministry IPGM Convocation Ceremony, which started on June 30, involved 5,390 graduates who completed their studies and teacher training at 28 IPGM campuses and English Language Teaching Centres.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
03-08-2025
- The Star
Layers of protection from the sun
Shades of care: Since Malaysia's UV Index is high, it is advisable for individuals to be aware of how to protect themselves from the harsh sun's rays. KUCHING: Effective protection against solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure goes beyond just applying sunscreen lotion, say experts. While sunscreen is important, they said it should be complemented with other measures due to Malaysia's high UV levels. Consultant dermatologist Dr Ruth Ling said Malaysia's UVI (UV Index) often hits 11 and higher, which is considered extreme. 'This is similar to Australia, where skin cancer rates are among the world's highest. 'In our tropical climate, UV defence must be multi-layered,' she said. Dr Ling said comprehensive protection strategies include broad-spectrum sunscreen, clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), wide-brimmed hats, oral sunblock supplements and, where possible, staying indoors or under shade from 10am to 4pm. In particular, she recommends going for annual skin checks as early detection can save lives. 'I find the expatriate community residing in Kuching to be very diligent about their skin checks,' she said, adding that she performed dermoscopy for suspicious skin growths and annual full body skin checks for patients with a history of skin cancer. The Star recently reported that Malaysians faced the dual threat of haze and high UVI levels, with each posing different health risks. The report stated that while the haze could reduce UV radiation, people still need to protect themselves from UV rays. Dr Ling said it is untrue that dark skin does not need protection or that indoor workers are safe from UV exposure. She said all skin types accumulate sun damage, with ultraviolet A (UVA) rays (primarily associated with skin ageing and wrinkling) able to penetrate windows. 'Many people underestimate UV risks due to misconceptions, such as a cloudy day being safe. 'Public education, especially for parents and outdoor workers, is critical,' she added. Hospital Bintulu plastic surgeon Dr Adriana Langat said antioxidants and sunscreen are useful for protection and prevention against damage caused by the sun. She said antioxidants counter sun damage by stimulating collagen synthesis, reducing pigmentation and improving the skin's barrier function, while sunscreen protects the skin from UV light. 'Sunscreen should be applied daily 15 minutes before leaving the house and reapplied after six hours. 'Applying sunscreen every day can help protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer and premature signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, when used in conjunction with other sun protection measures such as UV reflective garments, caps and sunglasses,' she said. Dr Adriana also said sunscreen with a higher SPF (sun protection factor) generally offers more protection from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are the main cause of sunburn. 'The SPF number tells you how long it would take for your skin to redden versus not wearing any sunscreen. 'For example, with SPF50, your skin would theoretically take 50 times longer to redden. 'Generally speaking, sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher can be considered effective for helping to protect against early skin ageing and skin cancer,' she said, adding that SPF30 and above is recommended. She also recommends avoiding the midday sun from 11am to 3pm, when sunlight passes vertically through the atmosphere with less filtering of dangerous UV light.
The Star
02-08-2025
- The Star
Tax or total ban on vape products?
Health advisory: A worker sticking the latest 'No Smoking and No Vaping' poster at a store at KL Traders Square, Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: The recent revelation that the government may expand pro-health tax by taxing vape, tobacco and alcohol products has raised an eyebrow among activists, with concerns emerging that the proposal to ban vape may falter. Anti-smoking crusaders are now demanding answers from the government on whether it will eventually move to ban vape, or just tax the substance, with Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer NV Subbarow querying the recent announcement under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). 'I am totally confused. What is the point of imposing tax on vape products? 'The Health Minister must immediately clarify the government's position on banning vape and e-cigarettes,' he said, emphasising CAP's support for a total ban. Subbarow said the government could instead impose higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol to reduce non-communicable diseases. 'The Finance Ministry must clarify the tax on vape,' said the anti-smoking activist, who argued that vape will lead to addiction problems that the government will have to deal with, including that of drug-laced vapes. 'The government has to spend millions to rehabilitate these new addicts because of vape culture.' On July 28, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told Parliament that Putrajaya is considering a nationwide ban on the use and sale of e-cigarettes or vapes. Dzulkefly stated that a special committee from the Health Ministry will propose the ban to address the abuse of e-cigarettes, which is a marked difference from his earlier statement that said it would be more feasible to regulate instead of a total ban. On July 31, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced plans for the expansion of pro-health taxes when tabling 13MP. Acknowledging that a complete ban will require time due to the legislative process and the need to set up effective enforcement systems, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general T. Saravanan said pro-health taxes are a realistic and immediate measure to control usage. 'By implementing the taxes now, the government is showing that it is moving in the right direction by taking immediate action while laying the groundwork for a full ban in the future,' he said. He said the imposition of these taxes on vape, tobacco and alcohol is essential as higher prices act as a deterrent, especially for casual users and youths. 'While the ban is being prepared, taxation remains a powerful tool to reduce harm and discourage use,' he said. In the short-term, he said pro-health taxes will help reduce consumption and generate funds for awareness and enforcement. 'From there, an emphasis on education, awareness and proper enforcement when it comes to smoking areas will reinforce public health protections. 'In the long-term, a complete ban can be implemented once all systems are in place. 'This is a clear and consistent strategy that moves the nation towards better public health outcomes while managing the challenges of enforcement and compliance,' he added. Ikram Health Malaysia president Dr Mohd Afiq Mohd Nor said as a doctor and public health advocate, he strongly supports a complete ban. 'The long-term health risks, especially among youth, far outweigh any economic benefit. 'However, we understand that a nationwide ban requires time to enable regulatory and enforcement mechanisms to be in place,' he added. In the meantime, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis have banned the sale of vape products, while Kedah will stop issuing new licences for vape stores.
The Star
02-08-2025
- The Star
Crackdown to clear the air
Ops Selamat PaPa launched to enforce vape and smoking laws PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has initiated a special operation to enforce the law on smoking and vape offences, paving the way for a possible ban on vapes in the future. Codenamed, Operasi Selamat Paru-Paru (Ops Selamat PaPa), Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said among enforcement priorities in this operation were product registration and ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Under the special ops, enforcement officers will also scrutinise control over the sale and packaging of smoking products, he added. 'Ops Selamat PaPa is done to strengthen the enforcement under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. It is being conducted simultaneously nationwide. On the ground: Dzulkefly during the Ops Selamat PaPa around KL Traders Square, Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star 'This operation should give us more clarity, evidence and research in order to ban vapes in the country,' he told a press conference yesterday. Dzulkefly said Ops PaPa would focus more on taking action against the sale and supply of smoking products that violates regulations, and not just targeting smokers such as underaged individuals or those caught smoking in no-smoking areas. He said that, between October 1 of last year and the present date, a total of 281,381 premises had been inspected, and enforcement actions were taken. 'This operation is an important step towards protecting the younger generation from the dangers of smoking products, including the widespread use of electronic cigarettes and vapes. 'Through Ops Selamat PaPa, we will form a strategic collaboration with the police to execute operations against the sale and manufacturing of smoking products that are mixed with drugs,' he added. Also involved in the operation are authorities from Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, Customs Department and local authorities.
