King with a heart of gold

Epilepsy patient gets donation for surgery from Sultan Muhammad V

KUALA LUMPUR: Touched by the plight of an eight-year-old girl with epilepsy, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V immediately donated towards her surgery to treat a birth anomaly in her brain, which is causing her seizures.

Comptroller of the Royal Household Datuk Wan Ahmad Dahlan Haji Ab Aziz said His Majesty wanted to help her parents as they cannot afford the medical fees.

Sultan Muhammad V was touched after reading a report by The Star on Sept 3 about Erinna Natashya Mohd Sohaimi, eight, who needs RM48,000 to undergo surgery tentatively scheduled for next month.

“His Majesty was concerned over the plight of the child, who suffers from epilepsy.

“After reading the story, His Majesty was moved to donate and help the child,” he said.

Wan Ahmad Dahlan, on behalf of the King, presented the generous donation to Star Media Group editor-in-chief Datuk Leanne Goh at Istana Negara here yesterday.

Sultan Muhammad V, whose official birthday was celebrated on Sept 9, ascended the throne on Dec 13, 2016, as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Erinna, who developed epileptic seizures when she was eight months old, will undergo the surgery at Ara Damansara Medical Centre in Selangor.

Her father Mohd Sohaimi Shafie, 47, had contacted Star Foundation, the charitable arm of Star Media Group, for financial aid.

Sohaimi, who had to quit his job as a lorry driver to care for Erinna, has three other children aged 16 to 22, all of whom are still studying.

His wife works as an assistant at a kindergarten in Kedah.

On behalf of Star Foundation, Goh thanked the King for his kindness and generosity.

She also thanked all the donors who had contributed to the cause.

Star Foundation would like to remind donors to download and fill in the Medical Fund – Donation Form at http://starmediagroup. my/star-foundation/medical-fundprogramme/.

For a tax exemption receipt to be issued, the completed form attached with the proof of transfer should be e-mailed to starfoundation@thestar.com.my.

Star Foundation has been raising and administering funds for various causes.

Its Medical Fund Programme was set up in 2015 to help more individuals and families in dire need of financial assistance and medical attention.

For details, call Star Foundation at 03-7967 1388 (ext 1046).

Generous contribution: Wan Ahmad Dahlan presenting the donation to Goh at Istana Negara.

— Bernama Compassionate Ruler: Sultan Muhammad V (right) presenting a zakat donation to an orphan during a breaking of fast event at Istana Negara in June. He has always demonstrated a caring heart for those in need, like Erinna.