RM45,000 for corrective surgery raised in just days

MIRI: Just four days a er the plight of a toddler here with bladder exstrophy was published in thesundaypost on May 24, the target of raising RM45,000 for corrective surgery has been achieved.

The plight of 14-month-old Rashid who is the youngest child of a non-Malaysian undocumented couple was first highlighted by Miri Yuan Man Welfare Association member Donny Koo who chanced upon the family of nine living in poverty while distributing food aid.

“For the first couple of days a er the news was published, I received calls from associations, charitable organisations, individuals and corporate firms expressing interest to donate to Rashid.

“It was overwhelming to see such outpouring of support from people regardless of race, religion and nationality,” said Koo who is also chairman of the subcommi ee set up to raise funds for Rashid.

He revealed yesterday that in Kuching alone, several associations had banded together and raised thousands of ringgit to help Rashid and his family.

“Apart from Kuching, most of the callers from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sibu and also Miri are interested to learn more about Rashid, his siblings and parents struggling in poverty and citizenship issue.

“The mission which I thought would take about six months has been accomplished in days,” stated Koo, adding that a er discussion with Miri Hospital, arrangement for Rashid’s corrective surgery is underway but may take a bit of time as the specialist surgeons have to be flown in to Kuching from the peninsula. He added that several organisations expressed help for the family as none of the couple’s children have any education without citizenship.

“These gullible people had been cheated of their hard earned money and their pending citizenship is making life even harder for them,” concluded Koo.