The Malaysian Artistes Association (Karyawan) has stepped in to assist singer Mama Rina, whose real name is Hairini Abdul Halim, to ensure she receives proper follow-up treatment, including the fitting of a prosthetic leg.
The 63-year-old former Akademi Fantasia Season Six contestant is now wheelchair-bound after her right leg was amputated below the knee in early January due to complications from diabetes.
"It all started when I sprained my foot a few months ago. After that, it began to swell,” she told reporters when met at her home in Ulu Tiram.
Her condition has forced Mama Rina, who had been actively busking at Pandan Uptown Market here, to stop performing, leaving her without a source of income. She is currently relying on RM600 in monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department.
"I’m also not strong enough to make festive cookies for sale this year. Normally, when I busk, I sell them as well,” she said.
Earlier, Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez and chairman, singer Datuk Khatijah Ibrahim, visited Mama Rina and presented a cash contribution.
Khatijah said Karyawan would help ensure Mama Rina is able to continue her singing career.
"There are specialists who, God willing, can assist with Mama Rina’s condition, especially (to relieve) the pain she has been experiencing following the amputation.
"If she is able to get a prosthetic leg, she can continue singing. We admire her determination to keep fighting,” she said.
Meanwhile, Freddie said the association remains committed to ensuring that members of the entertainment community receive the proper attention and support they need.
"We will also continue the programmes previously carried out to raise donations and funds, and we will look into cases that require assistance,” he said. - Bernama
