THE past eight years have not been kind to Nor Azmi Aminuddin.
Not only did he lose both his parents, but his 45-year-old wife Cik Hasnah Abu Hasan (sic) also had a stroke and is now bedridden at their home in Kampung Paloh, Ipoh.
Nor Azmi, 46, was a budding entrepreneur in Kuala Lumpur, but he had to return to Ipoh to look after his late parents and his family of five.
He currently holds various odd jobs, from cleaning his neighbours’ drains to cutting weeds. His daily routine includes bathing his wife and changing her diapers, doing the house chores and cooking.
Nor Azmi said his wife had a stroke in 2014, and he has been by her side even since.
“Our youngest child was only three then. It was difficult during the first year. When I think about it, I have no idea how we survived,” he said during a visit by Perak Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy chief Puteri Holijah Muhamad Rali at his home.
“Two of my children are currently working and share the responsibility of paying the bills.
“Our eldest daughter is a physiotherapist, so she will conduct therapy sessions with her mother when she is not working. Prior to this, I had to send her to the hospital regularly for it,” he added.
Nor Azmi said he spends about RM900 on his wife’s diapers and milk every month.
“Apart from my wages, we also get a RM400 monthly aid from Baitulmal.
“We will also be getting aid from the Social Welfare Department starting February,” he said, adding that he hoped to move out from their old wooden house one day.
“We have received help from a lot of people. Tebing Tinggi assemblyman and Perak executive council member Dr Abdul Aziz Bari have visited us several times and donated a special bed for my wife,” he added.
Despite the hardship, Nor Azmi said he was thankful that his children have never complained.
“They take charge during the weekends. I want them to take care of their mother like I did with mine,” said Nor Azmi.
“To those who still have parents, I encourage you to spend time and take care of them,” he added.
The visit by Puteri Holijah was part of Bersatu’s “Santun Rakyat” programme where they reached out to help the needy.
Nor Azmi also received some money and groceries during the visit.