DUNGUN: Donations in cash and kind are pouring in for Mardinah Dabe Martin Abdullah, 36, and her four children.
The kindness of Malaysians has brought back smiles on their faces as the single mother is now able to use the money to buy groceries and cook a decent meal for her family.
Since her plight was highlighted, a group of donors bought her a washing machine, a stove, and some utensils, and others who saw the condition of the house she lived in, repaired the wiring to ensure that it was safe for Mardinah and her hyperactive children.
“I cannot thank enough all who have helped to ease my burden. I have no words to explain my gratitude to these individuals, non-governmental organisations, agencies and recently the State government for their concern and sympathy,” she said when contacted today.
She said her children were young and would not understand what was going on but when they grow up, she hoped they would understand how difficult life has been for a mother who only had love, energy and time for them.
Today, the State chairman for Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Dr Alias Razak announced that Mardinah would get immediate financial assistance for her two hyperactive children.
In addition, Alias said MAIDAM which was the State Religious and Malay Customs Council had been directed to look at ways to pay her house rental of R450 a month.
Mardinah, a Muslim convert, was grateful to the State government for financial assistance for her two hyperactive children.
“I was told that the government will send my children, Muhammad Farish Irfaezd Nor Sukaimi, seven, and Muhammad Farish Irdyad, six, for medical examination to determine whether they were eligible for monthly financial assistance.
“I also thanked Kelab Motosikal Freedom Rider which donated a washing machine, a stove and utensils, and did some repairs on the house, and Pertubuhan Karyawan Terengganu as well as Kelab Triton Kemaman. I was in tears when they came to donate,” she said.
Mardinah’s plight came to light after news of her school going children, Muhammad Farish Irsyad Nor Sukaimi, 10, and Nur Farah Insyirah, 12, rummaging a garbage bin at their school Sekolah Kebangsaan Gong Pasir to look for food went viral.
Farish Irfaezd and Farish Irdyad were hyperactive and could not be left alone in the house, thus making it difficult for Mardinah to go out even for a short while, leave alone go to work.
Mardinah said she wanted to work but was worried about her children but following advice, she may decide to try online marketing to become financially independent.
“At the moment, my greatest worry is about my two schooling children. I need a school van service to come to my house early to take them to school. I do not want them to miss breakfast at school,” she said.
Mardinah was divorced by her husband Nor Sukaimi three months ago after 14 years of marriage. He is now working as a labourer in Pengerang, Johor, and visits his children twice a month to give some food and cash.
Most netizens on Facebook have responded positively on Mardinah’s predicament and many want to help her, including those who suggested ways to be financially independent.