Story of children who lost limbs in motorbike accident touches hearts, inspires outpouring of public support
THE heartbreaking story of two young siblings who lost limbs after a horrific accident has turned into a story of hope and community support.
A trust account will be opened to provide Darshan Murugan, seven, and his sister Kavarjitha, five, with a monthly allowance of RM1,500, which will continue until Kavarjitha turns 18.
On that fateful day in February, the siblings were riding pillion on a motorcycle with their grandmother when a lorry rammed into them along Jalan Besar in Sungai Bakap, Penang.
Darshan lost his left arm, while Kavarjitha had her right leg amputated.
Their grandmother, who was riding the motorcycle, sustained serious head injuries.
State executive councillor and Penang Tamil School committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said a fundraising campaign had collected over RM107,000 so far.
In view of the long-term needs of the siblings, especially given the family’s financial situation, he said the donation drive would continue until June 30, with a revised target of RM200,000.
“We plan to place the funds into a trust account, which will provide the children with a monthly allowance of RM1,500.
“The initiative is designed to ease the family’s burden and ensure that both children have access to basic needs, education and medical care,” he said.
The fundraising campaign was launched in February by SJK (T) Sungai Bakap, the school’s Parent-Teacher Association and the Special Committee on Tamil Schools in Penang.
Contributions have poured in from individuals and well-wishers touched by the children’s story.
In another development, Sundarajoo, who also chairs the state housing committee, has secured a low-cost housing unit for the family under the Rumah MutiaraKu scheme.
The apartment, located in Bandar Tasek Mutiara and priced at RM42,000, is equipped with an elevator and a wheelchair ramp to cater to the children’s mobility needs.
“The house will be registered under a trust in their grandmother’s name,” he said.
“When the children reach the age of 18, the ownership will be transferred to them,” said Sundarajoo, adding that any funds raised beyond the RM200,000 target would be used to cover the cost of the house.
If the campaign falls short of its target, he plans to seek support from non-governmental organisations and private donors to cover the difference.
