Singer Zaiton Sameon is happy to have received the OKU Card. Photo: mStar
Singer Zaiton Sameon now holds an OKU Card, which is a registration of persons with disabilities in Malaysia. She was given the card on Monday (Nov 14) by Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (JKM).
According to a report by mStar – The Star’s Malay language portal – the department granted Zaiton the status after the doctor confirmed that she suffers from traumatic brain injuries that qualifies her as a person with disability.
The 66-year-old is grateful to have received the card as it entitles her to apply for the People’s Housing Project (PPR).
“I have applied to get a PPR home before but my application was rejected as I do not have a steady income,” said the 1980s pop singer.
“Alhamdulillah, with this card, I have a chance to finally own a home.”
The Menaruh Harapan singer is currently staying with her adopted daughter, Sikah Ismail, 50, in a rented house in Ampang.
Zaiton said that she has been living with Sikah since they met each other by chance in 2010 when Zaiton was performing at a restaurant in Johor Baru.
“I have lost everything ... I have no home, no property, no child and no parents. Although I have siblings, I don’t want to bother them,” said the singer.
Zaiton was involved in a tragic accident in 1990, at the height of her popularity.
The accident claimed the life of her 13-year-old son, Azirwan Abu Bakar and seriously injured Zaiton, putting her in a coma for three months.
Zaiton suffered emotional distress and memory loss caused by the trauma. She was never able to get back the career she once had.
While the recovery was slow, Zaiton eventually returned to singing. Presently, she performs as and when she gets a gig.
Besides singing, Zaiton also earns extra cash through her “Rendang Nasib” business.
“Alhamdulillah, with the business I could get by for the daily essentials,” she said.
