Z
Zhen Ji
Guest
Published: Sunday January 9, 2011 MYT 3:16:00 PM
Fisherman's poor health gets Rosmah's attention
ALOR SETAR: The plight of a fisherman who is suffering from tuberculosis got the attention of the prime minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Rosmah, who was told of 54-year-old Armishah Arshad's case by Yayasan Prihatin Kemiskinan Pendidikan Kedah (YPKPK) chairman, Zuraidi Rahim, felt touched by the difficulties faced by the fisherman to provide for his wife and nine children.
"I am here today to present a contribution of RM3,000 to his family from the prime minister's wife. She also sends them her regards," Zuraidi told Bernama.
Zuraidi's visit to the fisherman's home in Kampung Jambu Luar, Mukim Pengkalan Kundor, near here, was joined by Kuala Kedah Umno secretary Haris Fadilah Husin and several members of the Village Development and Security Committee.
A Bernama representative, who also came along, saw how Armishah's wife, Hamsiah Saad, 49, was surprised by the personal contribution of the prime minister's wife.
According to Zuraidi, Rosmah's cash donation was for buying RM200 worth of food per month.
Armishah said he contracted tuberculosis 10 years ago but his condition became more serious in the past three years, making it difficult for him to go out to fish.
"Our problem will worsen when the new school session starts each time. Six of my nine children, aged between 5 and 21, are still studying.
"When my husband was seriously ill, his friends and our neighbours helped in whatever way they could, especially for Hari Raya and when the new school session began," said Hamsiah.
She said their request for aid from the Social Welfare Department two years ago was rejected, in addition to Syarikat Air Darul Aman cutting off their water supply last month due to arrears of almost RM600.
"I am so grateful to the prime minister's wife, YPKPK and Kuala Kedah Umno for helping us.
This is the first time we've received aid," said Hamsiah, who sells nasi lemak each morning by the roadside nearby which earns the family RM15 daily for household expenses.
During the visit, Zuraidi also presented the family with school uniforms and money for school fees and books, while Haris Fadilah contributed rice and other foodstuff. - Bernama
