01-08-2025
'I skip meals': Disabled father struggles to care for 2 sons
JOHOR BARU: A father in Johor Baru, living with physical disabilities and facing financial hardship, is determined to raise his two young sons on his own amid severe challenges.
Ahmad Kamal Kadir, 58, said that not only did he suffer a stroke which left one side of his body paralysed eight years ago, but he also had to have all the toes on his right foot amputated due to an infection late last year, leaving him unsteady on his feet.
Despite his condition, Ahmad Kamal remains determined to care for his two sons, aged nine and ten, and the family currently resides in a rented room in a house in Taman Dato' Penggawa Barat.
"Currently, I rely solely on the RM300 monthly welfare assistance from the Social Welfare Department for my children's schooling and our daily expenses.
"Life isn't easy for us now. I used to be a contractor and lived comfortably, but now I am being tested by Allah.
"I have to rely on the generosity of friends almost every month just to pay the RM400 room rent.
"I often have to skip meals, as my priority is my children – Ahmad Faiz and his younger brother, Ahmad Daniel Hafiz Al Siddiq.
"When it comes to basic needs, I can't afford many things for them, including school supplies. But I am thankful they understand my situation," he added.
Ahmad Kamal said he is grateful to still have the strength to carry out daily tasks such as cooking, doing the laundry, and sending his sons to school using an old car given by a friend.
"My wife is Indonesian, but we lost contact years ago due to family issues.
"I am still trying to trace her, particularly to discuss our children's future, especially the application for our youngest son's birth certificate.
"I have the necessary documents, but the National Registration Department (NRD) instructed us to visit the Johor NRD's investigation and enforcement division to schedule a DNA test appointment between me and Ahmad Faiz Al Siddiq," he told Harian Metro.
Ahmad Kamal added that he was asked to pay RM1,700 for the collection of three blood samples by the Johor Chemistry Department for the DNA test.
"I hope the relevant authorities can provide financial assistance, as Ahmad Faiz Al Siddiq's future will remain uncertain without a birth certificate," he said.
Earlier, Ahmad Kamal received RM1,000 worth of goods from a prominent supermarket, as well as a cash donation from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan Penyayang chairman Faridah Mustafa.
