A 64-year-old grandmother, who is raising her teenage grandchild on her own and is worried about the future of his education, was moved to tears after receiving a laptop donation.
Maznah, who only wanted to be known by her first name, told Malaysiakini that she had cried every night because her grandchild could not attend classes as they could not afford to buy a laptop.
This is as most classes moved online during the second movement control order (MCO) which came into force on Jan 13.
Rosly Yusof, an aide to Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim, said Maznah had approached the lawmaker's office in tears to ask for help.
"She did not ask for food but was instead worried about her grandchild who could not learn from home as they did not have a device.
"Her grandchild is in Form 4 at a top school in Bukit Mertajam but the circumstances meant he couldn't learn like other children," he said.
In a video shared by the aide, Sim is seen visiting the grandmother and her 16-year-old grandchild to donate a laptop.
He buried his face in his hands as he cried while his teary grandmother thanked Sim profusely.
Maznah, when contacted, was emotional and shared her struggles in raising her grandchild.
Worrying at night
The grandmother said her only source of income is an RM300 zakat aid every month.
"I am exhausted from crying every night because I pity my grandchild can't attend class.
"We don't have anyone else. I raised him alone. Who else would care for my grandchild? I feel sad when he can't attend class.
"We live in hardship. I'm old and my eyes are hurting. He wants to learn but I can't afford to buy (a device) for him.
"I was deeply touched when we received help so soon," she said.
Maznah was seen wearing sunglasses during Sim's visit due to problems with her eyes.
While on the phone, Maznah also asked her grandchild to share with Malaysiakini about his first day with the laptop.
"After my class, I asked my teacher to send me every lesson that I had missed before this. They were understanding about my situation.
"I'm very happy that I now have a laptop. I can attend classes now," he told Malaysiakini.
Before this, the SMK Machang Bubok student had to borrow a smartphone from neighbours but it was damaged. He then had to rely on his grandmother's smartphone.
The student, who aspires to become a doctor, said he will make sure not to miss any classes.
Limited funds
Meanwhile, Sim said Maznah reached out to his office after learning about the "Asal Cek Mau Pi Sekolah" campaign which he launched on Jan 24 to provide various assistance to students who are struggling to attend online classes.
The initiative also provides printing services for homework, data packages and online tuition classes for free.
Sim said his office would conduct surveys to ensure those seeking help were truly qualified.
The DAP lawmaker said his office had to be strict because the federal government does not provide opposition MPs with allocation.
"Our funds are limited. There's no allocation for (opposition) MPs so we have to be judicious.
"Yesterday, my aide visited Maznah's home and we found that she (her grandchild) truly qualified for a free laptop," he said.
Sim said he was saddened by their situation but noted the grandchild's determination to study despite the difficulties.
"The grandchild cried as soon as he saw the laptop. So did the grandmother.
"I was touched by their reaction but that's how it has been. Two, three homes we visited, they cried when they saw the laptop," he said.
Sim said he hoped that with the help, schoolchildren will not be left behind because of the Covid-19 pandemic. - Mkini
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