Latest news with #OKU
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
True grit: Limbless Jafri defies limits to inspire and earn a living
KOTA BARU: Despite being born without hands and toes, 34-year-old Mohamad Jafri Daud has never let his disability stand in the way of earning a living with his wife. With unwavering determination, Jafri has made it his life's mission to change negative perceptions of people with disabilities (OKU), showing that grit and self-belief matter more than physical limitations. "Rather than expecting sympathy, my condition gives me strength. I don't see it as a hindrance, but as a motivation to prove that we, too, are capable. "I'm also blessed to have a supportive wife, Nur Aika Mansor, 30, who accepted me wholeheartedly and has been my pillar of strength. "As long as I am able, I want to be responsible for providing for my family. Being an OKU has pushed me to do my best, just like anyone else," he said at his home in Panchor. Affectionately known as "Pak Do", Jafri said he and his wife tried various ventures, including selling second-hand clothes online during the Covid-19 pandemic but had to stop in 2022 due to poor demand. "Even then, we never gave up. We started selling 'keropok' by the roadside for about a year. Then, in November last year, my wife's family offered us a space at their burger stall. That's where we started our burger business," he said. Jafri also works as a helper at the stall, earning RM65 per day. Together, the couple now sells up to 50 burgers daily at RM3 each, a feat he takes pride in, despite his physical challenges. "Initially, the hardest part was separating the burger patties and placing them on the hot plate, since I don't have fingers like everyone else. But over time, I got used to it and can now do it on my own. My wife helps by wrapping the burgers," he said. The 11th of 12 siblings, Jafri said they hope to one day open a kiosk or a small shop of their own. To supplement their income, he also takes up small jobs repairing jeans, and processes and sells traditional 'bekok' (dried fermented fish). While Jafri receives a monthly RM450 allowance from the Welfare Department, he does not want to rely solely on government aid. "I hope my story inspires other OKU not to give up on life. Don't let your condition become an excuse. With effort, prayer and the right attitude, there is always a way forward," he said.
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Malaysian couple defy norms, celebrate love despite disability
KLANG: "I don't look at physical appearance; what matters is the heart, because I want to be married for a long time and go through good and tough times together." This was said by Salasiah Sazali, 33, regarding her decision to accept Muhammad Khairul Hibatullah Fitri Omar, 32, as her life partner, even though her husband is a person with disabilities (OKU) due to a facial disfigurement and blindness in his right eye. The couple's story garnered attention from netizens after Muhammad Khairul Hibatullah Fitri uploaded a video with photos of him and Salasiah before and after their marriage. Salasiah said she met her husband through a chat application on social media five years ago before they became close and decided to marry in 2021. "My husband initiated the conversation on that chat application. He said he wanted to be friends, and at first, I didn't even see his face because he used a picture of his hand. "Then we continued messaging on WhatsApp, and not long after, my husband shared his picture, and I was fine with it. "We never met, even though we both lived in Perak. When he said he wanted to be closer friends, I asked my husband to meet my mother. I didn't expect my husband to come with his mother to propose three months after we met," she said when met by Harian Metro at her residence in an apartment in Taman Sentosa Perdana, here. According to Salasiah, her family did not object and instead gave her the option to decide on her life partner. "The physical aspect was not an issue, but my mother advised me that even if my husband and I argued, I should never bring up his physical appearance. "My family truly accepts and loves my husband, but when we go out, people do stare at us. To me, what's so strange about it? It's just his face that looks like that; everything else is normal," she said. Salasiah said that every individual has strengths and weaknesses, and she accepts her husband as he is. She added that she is happy living her married life, especially after being blessed with a child, Muhammad Arif Luqman, who is now two years old. "I don't care what people say because, no matter what, he is my husband, and so far, he treats me well; he is not fierce with me at all. "I hope and pray that our relationship will last until the end of our lives," said Salasiah, who works as a production operator at an electronics factory. Meanwhile, Muhammad Khairul Hibatullah Fitri, who works as an administrative assistant, said he does not dwell on his physical shortcomings as he has been an OKU since birth. "I never really thought about finding a soulmate, because if it happens, Alhamdulillah, and if not, life still has to go on. "But I am grateful that my wife accepts me, and I feel my life is complete with a family and a job that provides a stable income," he said. Regarding his condition, Muhammad Khairul Hibatullah Fitri said he had undergone several surgeries, including one in Australia when he was four years old, to improve his facial structure. The former lecturer of computer networking at a private college also used to have examinations every six months at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) in Kuala Lumpur due to his condition but stopped in 2016, as he saw no need to continue. "Actually, it was worse before, and my face now is much better after several surgeries. "Because I've been like this since childhood, it doesn't affect my confidence, although I was teased in primary school. It didn't affect me much because my family and friends gave me a lot of encouragement. "My wife also accepts me because she said she doesn't look at my physical appearance but at my sense of responsibility. Recently, I shared our photos on TikTok, and I didn't expect such a high number of views. There was one comment saying we didn't look happy, but I just ignored it because more people were praying for us," said Muhammad Khairul Hibatullah Fitri, who also uses his skills to repair laptops for a fee.
What's On
29-06-2025
- What's On
6 sensational new hotel openings to plan trips around this summer
Summer is just getting started, but if you're still unsure of where to go, make plans around some of the world's most exciting new hotel openings for summer 2025. From sun-drenched spots on the Aegean to a hotly anticipated safari lodge, these 6 hotels are the rooms to book this season. OKU Bodrum, Turkey Bringing OKU's rustic-luxe aesthetic from Ibiza and Kos to the Turkish Riviera this summer is OKU Bodrum. Open from mid-July, this sophisticated adults-only hideaway is a boutique retreat of 58 rooms and suites overlooking the shimmering Aegean sea. The suites with private pools promise elevated exclusivity, with walk-in wardrobes, freestanding tubs and stretching views across the cove. Gourmands can enjoy sundowners on a bar on the jetty, elevated Japanese dishes at open-air Teyo restaurant, and graze on Mediterranean sharing plates by the pool. The spa promises curated wellness rituals, a yoga shala atop the cliffs and cabanas for alfresco treatments. Rates: From Dhs1,815 per night SIRO Boka Place, Montenegro Dubai-born SIRO Hotels has expanded to Europe with the opening of SIRO Boka Place. Bringing its unique approach to fitness and recovery to the shores of the Adriatic, the hotel is all about active living. While the Dubai hotel is an urban inner-city escape, the Porto Montenegro iteration is a haven of nature and adventure, with an extensive offering of 'destination fitness' activities that make the most of the local landscape. Think hiking, sailing, mountain biking and exhilarating watersports. Back on property, a locally inspired restaurant and rooftop bar are all about balance, where guests can refuel on nourishing dishes in social settings. Rates: From Dhs1,350 per night The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara, Kenya Luxurious Ritz-Carlton will debut its first luxury safari camp in mid-August, bringing the brand's legendary service and refined style to the heart of Kenya's Masai Mara. A secluded camp of 20 spacious tented suites, it promises front row seats to the Great Migration (June to October) from its enviable perch on the banks of the Sand River. But beyond the migration season, it's a prime spot for seeing the Big Five up close. Sustainably designed, materials have been sourced from local artisans, and partnerships with local guides and storytellers support the local community and culture while providing an immersive and authentic experience for guests. Rates: From Dhs22,677 per night Tella Thera, Crete, Greece A new eco-retreat with a rustic-luxe feel, Tella Thera will welcome guests from July 14 to explore the untamed beauty of Crete's Bay of Kissamos. Built into a hill encased by olive trees, the nature-inspired rooms and suites all come with earthy tones, private terraces and sweeping Aegean vistas. Designed as a haven of wellness, the spa will be a standout experience, going far beyond the traditional to offer rejuvenating soaks in a magnesium pool, relaxing stretches with guided yoga sessions at the outdoor pavilion, and mood-balancing chromotherapy showers. Guests can enjoy the usual spoils of a seaside resort – Mediterranean dining, dips in the pool, but also engage in workshops and activities that connect with the locale: think bread baking, cooking classes and making ceramics. Rates: From Dhs1,775 per night Orient Express La Minerva, Rome, Italy Having been a timeless icon of luxury rail travel for over 140 years, new life is being breathed into Orient Express with the debut of Orient Express La Minerva, the brand's first hotel. The property is anchored in as much history as you'd expect from the first Orient Express hotel, having transformed a 17th-century palazzo in Rome's Piazza della Minerva into a refined and revived luxury stay. Immaculate attention to detail has been paid by artist-architect Hugo Toro, and the resulting property features rich and retro patterns, striking sculptures, and Art Deco touches. Dubai dwellers will likely recognise rooftop restaurant Gigi Rigolatto – a partnership with Paris Society and Rikas Hospitality; and the soon-to-open Mimi Kakushi, bringing opulent Japanese flavour to the hotel later this year. Rates: From Dhs5,335 per night Villa Miraé, Cap D'Antibes, France Impérial Garoupe is reborn as Villa Miraé Cap d'Antibes, part of the renowned Relais & Chateaux portfolio. A boutique salmon pink oasis in the heart of the sublime Cap d'Antibes in the South of France, it oozes retro glamour with modern effervescence. Inspired by sea, sun and verdant gardens, the 35 rooms and suites are glorious havens to base yourself at for a sojourn to the Côte d'Azur this summer. Elsewhere, Michelin-pedigree gastronomy comes from the mind of star chef Mauro Colagreco, behind two signature dining experiences; and relaxation awaits at the sun-drenched pool and solarium, which both lull guests into a serene stillness. Rates: From Dhs3,000 Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Helping disabled youths lead
Sia (front row, sixth from left) with members of Milad after receiving the donated items which will go to 42 OKU recipients. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star Applications open for training focused on assisting organisations with OKU staff, advising on special needs A TRAINING programme is available for youths with special needs to become leaders when it comes to dealing with people with disabilities (OKU). Malaysia Independent Living Association for Disabled (Milad) is calling for applicants aged 18 to 30 who are interested in becoming professional trainers. Milad will select 16 trainees, who must be registered with the Welfare Department, for the Disability Inclusion Leadership Training (DILT) programme. Programme head and Milad president Sia Siew Chi, who will be one of the trainers, said, 'We want the trained disabled individuals to become professional trainers who can assist organisations with OKU staff, as well as advise on the needs of people with disabilities. 'We welcome people with any type of disability, such as visual, hearing or physical impairments, to apply.' She said those with good public-speaking abilities would have an advantage. 'Applicants who are OKU cardholders from across Malaysia, passionate about disability rights and committed to becoming inclusion trainers, are encouraged to apply,' Sia said after receiving donations of medical supplies at Milad's centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The 18-month programme starting in July is funded by Unicef, with technical support from the Disability Equality Training (DET) Forum, Asia-Pacific Development Centre on Disability, and Japan International Cooperation Agency. It is the first of its kind in Malaysia, designed exclusively for OKU to enable them to become professional trainers who meet the certification standards of Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp). The programme will include a 14-day in-person DET workshop, weekly two-hour online mentorship, Independent Living Programme training, one-day practical facilitation experience and five-day Train-the-Trainer workshop for HRD Corp certification. Applications should include the person's name, background and contact information, and be sent to miladmalaysia@ by June 30. Details can be found at At the event, 42 persons with disabilities received donations of urinary bags and adult diapers worth RM5,826 from an anonymous donor. 'While 11 of them are able to collect the items from us, the rest will have their donated supplies delivered to their homes. 'The donor has been generous over the years, regularly sponsoring essential items for OKU. 'These items are costly and any sponsorship to fund them is greatly appreciated by the disabled community,' Sia said, adding that many of the recipients were bedridden.
Free Malaysia Today
14-06-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
14-year-old needs RM90,000 for life-saving heart procedure
Nur Haziqah Mohd Rosdi suffers from atrial septal defect and mitral regurgitation. (Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia pic) PETALING JAYA : One's teenage years are usually a fascinating phase of life. It's a time for self-discovery, dreaming big, and imagining the possibilities that lie ahead. For Nur Haziqah Mohd Rosdi, however, life is different. The 14-year-old has a severe congenital heart defect and is now in critical condition, urgently requiring life-saving open-heart surgery. Haziqah was born with atrial septal defect (ASD), or a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. This causes oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix, forcing the heart to work harder and reducing its efficiency. She also suffers from mitral regurgitation – a condition where the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle, doesn't close properly. This causes blood to flow backward into the atrium during heart contractions. Although these conditions were present at birth, her parents had thought they weren't serious as she seemed healthy and active. And despite doctors having recommended surgery to repair the septal defect, the family put it on hold because of financial constraints. To compound matters, Haziqah's father and sister experience seizures. Both are unable to work and are registered as persons with disabilities (OKU). Her mother stays home full-time to care for the family, and they do not have a steady source of income. Haziqah hopes to get better, return to school, and take care of her family. (Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia pic) This year, Haziqah's condition worsened significantly when she began to experience severe oxygen shortage, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Multiple hospital visits and tests revealed that the hole in her heart has enlarged and she is now in heart failure. She urgently needs surgery to close the hole in her heart and repair her mitral valve – a procedure that will give her a real chance of survival and improve her long-term quality of life. Sadly, the cost of RM90,000 is far beyond what her family can afford. The family has turned to Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia (formerly known as the Malaysian Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Children) for help. According to case worker Ben Wong, the association began fundraising for Haziqah's surgery on June 6. 'Your contribution, no matter how small, can bring her one step closer to healing. By donating, you're giving her a future filled with hope, laughter and the chance to grow up healthy,' he told FMT Lifestyle. For Haziqah, her family's well-being is ultimately what's important. 'I don't want my mum to worry. I want to get better, go back to school, and one day take care of my family,' she said. If you wish to donate, contributions can be made directly to Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia, Ambank account number 8881 0609 91545. Please reference 'CASE 53' in your transactions. Kindly email a copy of your receipt to beniq70plus@ or send it via WhatsApp to Ben Wong at 010-238 7072. For further information, visit Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia's Facebook profile. Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia 118 & 120 Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
