After raising white flag, father of two gets help for food, rent

 

Running out of money and options, a father of two decided to raise a white flag outside his home in Pulai, Johor.

This prompted a stream of donations to him and his family.

According to Harian Metro, 39-year-old welder Zulkiflie Samsudin was at his wits' end trying to provide for his family after losing almost half his usual income during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was reportedly struggling to pay rent, pay his car loan and put food on the table for his pregnant wife and two young children, one of whom has special needs.

Zulkiflie was also running out of money for milk and diapers for his one-year-old son.

“I am sad because I have not been able to fulfil my responsibilities as the head of the household as best as I can because of my financial troubles. My situation has worsened since the beginning of this year and now my wife is six months pregnant.

“I raised a white flag yesterday evening after seeing the campaign on social media.

“Alhamdulillah, I have received an abundance of help and now I can sustain my family for the next few months.

“Some netizens were willing to help me settle my rent, which is one month overdue at RM800. I am three months behind on my car instalment and I owe RM1,200,” he was quoted as saying.

Zulkiflie thanked the people for their help and said his family had enough funds for now.

“We have enough necessities for now and it’s the same in terms of money.

“I am very grateful for the help we received and only Allah can repay our donors for their good deeds,” he told the Malay-language daily.

Social media users kicked off a “#BenderaPutih” (white flag) campaign yesterday, urging those who are struggling financially to display a white flag in front of their houses as a sign they need immediate assistance.

The campaign has since gathered steam, attracting the attention of opposition politicians and ministers alike.

The white flag is a protective sign used under the laws of armed conflict to designate unarmed negotiators seeking to parlay, but it is also often used to symbolise surrender. - Mkini