Compiled by BENJAMIN LEE, C. ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
A PARTIALLY paralysed single mother in Terengganu turned to tailoring and handicrafts to support her children for the past two years after the death of her husband, Kosmo! reported.
Norhaslina Suria Mohamed, 43, now not only makes a living as a tailor but has been weaving handicraft products from mengkuang leaves to supplement her income.
She became paralysed due to complications while giving birth to her eldest daughter back in 2011.
“My late husband had sent me for physiotherapy treatment and occupational rehabilitation training, he also signed me for archery classes in 2019 to help restore my nerves and hand movement.
“My husband’s passing in 2024 was heartbreaking as he was not only our family’s main breadwinner but also a strong source of encouragement for me,” she said.
Norhaslina Suria said her determination and quick recovery during archery classes eventually led her to be selected as a state para archery athlete. She remains one to this day.
> The daily also reported how an autistic student at UiTM Sarawak overcame all the odds to not only make the Dean’s List every semester but also to receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award.
Shariah Nur Ain Sayed Mohd Nizam, 21, was diagnosed with autism at 13 but went on to excel in her diploma in computer science studies.
“At first, it was difficult for me to adapt at school and I often cried. I wasn’t good at speaking with the right intonation, so my sentences would sound harsh.
“My mother then took me to see a psychologist and I underwent weekly therapy sessions which helped me to better control my emotions and adjust to my friends and teachers,” she said.
On the academic side, Shariah Nur Ain said she had to develop a study strategy after realising that she easily loses focus.
“I have my own 20-minute study session for each subject before class starts. In class, I focus fully so I don’t have to spend a long time revising.
“Thankfully, my family has always supported me, as have the lecturers, programme coordinator and UiTM’s OKU services unit,” she said.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.
