KUANTAN: On March 17, a wheel-chair bound senior citizen was "dropped off" by one of his children under the scorching sun in front of the Seri Permai Old Folks Home in Taman Tas here with promises to take him home sometime later.
Three weeks have passed and the nursing home now provides the 64-year-old shelter and food.
The man only identified as Pok Yem has been yearning to be reunited with his family members in time to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri but it looks like he will have to remain here longer.
Pok Yem, whose right leg had to be amputated below the knee due to chronic diabetes in October last year, has been repeatedly telling his caretakers that his children will come to take him home.
While the rest of the occupants rest indoors, Pok Yem spends his days in his wheelchair outside on the porch, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.
When asked how he was coping with the new surroundings, Pok Yem abruptly replies that he hopes that his children will visit and take him home soon.
"I want to celebrate Aidilfitri surrounded by my children and grandchildren. Last year, I celebrated Raya with them... I am new here and do not have any friends.
"One of my children left me here and promised to pick me up after completing some work. I miss home," he says, his voice cracking with emotion as he speaks about his family and five grandchildren.
Pok Yem said his wife passed away more than 10 years ago and since then he has been living with his children in a neighbouring district.
On March 17, the old folks home wrote on their official Facebook page seeking individuals with information on Pok Yem to come forward as he was left outside the premises with only his MyKad and a set of clothes inside a plastic bag.
In their posting, the management wrote they were upset over the incident saying the family members' action was totally unacceptable as they had left an elderly man who was only clad in his shirt and shorts by the road side during the hot weather without alerting the home or neighbours.
Meanwhile, the home's manager, Mohamad Fauzi Ramli, said he had gone to meet a friend in Tanah Putih near here on March 17 and returned around noon when he spotted a man seated on the wheelchair outside the premises gate.
"I asked what he was doing here and Pok Yem replied he was waiting for one of his children who had gone to a nearby shop. The weather was extremely hot so I invited him inside and knew something was amiss as no one came to fetch him.
"Sometime later, I posted Pok Yem's picture on our Facebook page before an individual texted me and admitted to have committed the act (leaving behind father). I told the person there was no problem sending Pok Yem here but I strongly disapproved of the way it was done... leaving someone by the roadside without informing the home's management.
"Pok Yem's child claimed to be facing hardship and does not own a house but promised to take Pok Yem back when things are better. I hope the person keeps his word as Pok Yem always talks about his family," he said.
Fauzi said Pok Yem will celebrate Aidilfitri in the new surroundings with the other 14 occupants and they will be treated to a variety of delicacies sponsored by several individuals during the festive season.