(Source: Focus Malaysia | 123rf)
Life hasn’t been kind to 41-year-old Zailawati Ismail from Felda Jerangau, Terengganu. 2 years ago, her world flipped upside down when her husband tragically passed away after being hit by a falling tree branch at work. Since then, Zailawati has been holding her family together the best she can, despite facing major health challenges herself.
Battling chronic endometriosis, Zailawati is unable to do strenuous work. With no stable job and 2 school-going kids, she depends on a RM400 monthly aid from the Social Welfare Department to make ends meet. But even that isn’t enough.
That’s where her daughter stepped in.
Survival Level: Daughter’s PTPTN Loan
According to Bernama, Nur Aina Najiha, her 19-year-old daughter who is studying in Kuantan, decided to share her PTPTN loan money to help cover family expenses. From groceries to travel costs for hospital visits, the student loan meant for education has become a lifeline for the whole household.
Zailawati shared that most days, the family eats simple meals of rice with soy sauce. Her son, Mohd Aiman Haikal, 16, even does odd jobs like mowing lawns and helping with oil palm harvesting just to earn some extra cash. As if that wasn’t enough, her youngest daughter, 12-year-old Nur Alia Batrisya, recently fractured her leg during netball.
How Can You Help?
Despite the struggles, this family isn’t giving up. Zailawati hopes the public might be able to lend a hand. Those interested in helping can contact her directly at 013-9332122.
Her story is a reminder that behind every PTPTN loan, welfare aid, and B40 statistic is a real family trying to survive the day. Sometimes, even a small act of kindness can change everything