Covid-19 orphans look forward to rebuilding their lives

GEORGE TOWN: Losing a loved one to Covid-19 can be devastating and financial aid can help soften the impact for families trying to return to normalcy.

University student S. Wasanthi, 19, lauded the Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia aid for orphans whose parent or parents succumbed to Covid-19.

She said it will definitely help ease the financial burden.

After losing her mother to Covid-19, she was left with no choice but to take up a part-time job.

“My father lost his job during the pandemic and I still have a young brother at home.

“I had to get a side job to help ease my father’s financial burden.

“With the financial aid given by the government, it will definitely help us through these hard times.

“I also hope that more non-governmental organisations will step up and help families and children who were badly affected by the pandemic.

“We need financial aid as well as the mental strength to carry on with life,” she said.

Performance executive Jen Chow, 27, who lost her father to Covid-19 on Aug 30, said losing a loved one to Covid-19 also used up their savings.

“We had to pay extra for the funeral services as the funeral service providers imposed additional charges for Covid-19 victims compared to normal services.

“My family used a lot of our savings to treat my father when he tested positive for Covid-19 and now, we are short of cash.

“We even bought an oxygen concentrator, thinking that when he returned home, he could use it to help with his breathing but sadly, he didn’t make it.

“Since my whole family tested positive for Covid-19, my mum and I are still experiencing some side effects.

“My mum is now on long-term medication and I need to take supplements to regain my health,” she said.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz announced that a total of RM25mil will be provided to help children who were made orphans by the Covid-19 pandemic through Yayasan Keluarga Malaysia when unveiling the RM322.1bil Budget 2022 in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

He said the RM25mil will be used to take care of the future welfare and education needs of the children.

Tengku Zafrul also urged non-governmental organisations, local leaders and companies to play their role in ensuring that the welfare of these children are taken care of.