BORN into a world of silence, two sisters from Sabah have found new hope and opportunity through the gift of hearing.
Nur Hazirah Hamizan, 11, and her sister, Nur Haziqah, 16, once longed for simple experiences many take for granted, such as listening to their teachers in class, hearing the school bell ring and communicating more easily with those around them.
In 2022, both sisters underwent unilateral cochlear implant surgeries, and the results have been life-changing.
With the ability to hear, even if only partially, the sisters have made remarkable progress in their speech and language development, learning three languages and significantly improving their academic performance.
Now, they have the opportunity to benefit from bilateral cochlear implant surgery, the internationally recognised gold standard for individuals with profound hearing loss.
UM Specialist Centre consultant Prof Datuk Dr Prepageran Narayanan, who supports their treatment, said bilateral implantation offered a definite advantage over a single implant.
He said it would provide better speech recognition in noisy environments, improved sound localisation and reduced listening effort, helping children communicate more confidently and maximise their learning potential during their formative years.
Unfortunately, the upcoming surgeries cost a total of RM150,000, an amount far beyond the family’s means.
Their father Hamizan Kong Abdullah is the family’s sole breadwinner, earning RM5,000 a month as a machinery technician at a rubber plantation in Tawau, Sabah.
The costs of the sisters’ first surgeries, together with frequent travel between Sabah and Kuala Lumpur for treatment, accommodation and follow-up appointments, have placed the family under immense financial strain.
Although RM30,000 has since been raised through public donations, they still need RM120,000 to make the second surgeries possible.
Beyond the surgeries, the family must also bear the costs of post-operative therapy and long-term follow-up care.
For the sisters, these cochlear implants are far more than medical devices.
They represent the chance to continue excelling in school, build independent futures and create better opportunities for themselves and their family.
With the support of Star Foundation, the family is appealing to the public to help raise the remaining RM120,000 needed for surgery.
No donation is too small; every contribution brings Nur Hazirah and Nur Haziqah a step closer to achieving their dreams.
One can also support them by sharing their story with family, friends and via social networks.
Greater awareness can help reach more people who are willing and able to make a difference.
Star Foundation’s Medical Fund Programme is making this appeal to raise the remaining funds.
Any excess donations will be channelled towards supporting future eligible patients requiring medical assistance.
Donations can be made via Public Bank (Account No. 31-9984-9230) under Star Foundation, by cheque made payable to Star Foundation or online.
Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group.
Since 2015, its medical fund has supported underprivileged individuals living with chronic illnesses by funding critical medical treatment and care.
For details, visit starfoundation.com.my
