Life under MCO turned deadly – Indonesian woman in FMT story dies

Many undocumented migrants remained indoors during the recent lockdown despite health concerns. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sumiyati, the subject of an FMT story last week, in which we reported she was very sick from an undetermined illness, has died.

She was just 42.

With her just before she succumbed to her mystery ailment on Monday evening, were her elderly neighbours who were taking care of her as best they could.

They were nearby but not at her side when they heard her cry out in pain. They immediately looked in on her and realised she had just passed away.

She was on her simple mattress alone at the time of her death.

In our story last week, FMT reported that her husband, Mohammad Aji, had been out trying to buy medicine for her, but he was not carrying his documents, which had expired.

He was allegedly nabbed by police and taken to the Sepang lockup. He is now believed to be in Sungai Buloh prison.

The couple came to Malaysia from Indonesia three years ago. She worked as a domestic helper; he was a construction worker. The movement control order (MCO) meant that neither was currently earning.

Mahfud Budiono heads the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) volunteer group helping Indonesians in dire straits in Malaysia.

FMT was with him when he visited the couple’s flat in Puchong last week.

As he delivered a food aid package for them, we saw Sumiyati lying on her sickbed, obviously seriously ill.

Mahfud was very upset that he could do nothing to help her, saying, “Her situation is critical, I feel like crying.”

After her death, he told FMT, “She died alone, with no child or husband by her side.”

He said that her neighbours told him that prior to her death she seemed to be recovering. She had even asked for a glass of water.

“Apparently, she suddenly said she was in pain and the next minute she was gone.”

Mahfud was given the unenviable task of delivering the bad news to her relatives. Her daughter lives in Bali; her brother in Jember in East Java.

They were distraught and wanted her body sent home – a request impossible to grant during these extraordinary times.

They have since consented to her being buried at a Muslim cemetery in Puchong Perdana.

Health officials have not disclosed the cause of death but have said it was not Covid-19 related.

“I feel so sad,” said Mahfud. “We couldn’t help her.” - FMT