Mother of 9 struggles on after husband's sudden death

 

Single mother Siti Suhaiziah Ramli, 47, has been left to raise and care for her nine children alone after her husband died of a heart attack in June last year. — STR / PAYA LINDA YAHYA

GUA MUSANG: A single mother has been left to raise and care for her nine children alone after her husband died of a heart attack in June last year.

Siti Suhaiziah Ramli, 47, a homemaker, has since become the head of the household, looking after children aged between 2 and 20.

The family now relies entirely on the income of her eldest child, who works as a security guard, as well as RM1,000 in monthly welfare assistance.

-Advertisement-

She said additional aid received through the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) and Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) schemes had helped ease the burden of raising her children, as she is currently unemployed.

The family has also received food baskets in conjunction with Ramadan, further alleviating their hardship.

"Alhamdulillah, through the rezeki granted by Allah and the kindness of generous people, contributions have been extended to my family, especially during this Ramadan," she said.

Seven of her nine children are still in school, while two are studying in Kota Baru — at Kolej Poly-Tech Mara and Maahad Muhammadi Perempuan — leaving seven children at home.

"Since my husband's passing, I have taken over all family responsibilities, including sending and picking up the children from school, which is about 5km away. I am grateful that the assistance we receive helps us manage," she added.

Earlier, the family was visited by representatives of the Kelantan Council of Royal Dignitaries, district officials and members of the civil service women's association at their home in the KESEDAR Sungai Terah land development scheme. During the visit, the asnaf family received basic food supplies and financial contributions to help them through Ramadan.

Siti Suhaiziah said they had lived for more than five years in a People's Housing Project (PPR) home built on land owned by her late husband.

If further assistance is available, she hopes additional rooms can be constructed for her growing children.

"I have five daughters and four sons. They are getting older, and I hope there will be help to build rooms for them.

"With a large family, our meals during Ramadan are modest. If there is nothing else, we eat rice with eggs and anchovies," she said. - NST