PETALING JAYA: Thinking he was being taken to yet another doctor’s appointment, four-year-old Hafiz, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in February, started the morning with a tantrum.
But instead of going to Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani, where he is receiving treatment, Hafiz found himself at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters in Jalan Penchala.
To the preschooler’s amazement, he was given the full VIP treatment. A 36-member ceremonial parade, complete with a sword salute, was staged just for the occasion.
Next was a police car ride with the sirens on, followed by a presentation ceremony where he was given a child-sized four-wheel drive with flashing lights to take home.
The event, jointly organised by the police and Make A Wish Malaysia, an organisation that brings life-changing wish experiences to critically ill children, had been specially created around Hafiz’s love for police cars.
Making the occasion more memorable, Hafiz and his twin, Hariz, were dressed in mini police uniforms, complete with badges and silver buttons.
Accompanied by their parents Hilmy Mohd Nor Hamid and Nur Raudhatul Jannah Sila, the entrance of the two boys made for a heartwarming sight because they looked so cute.
As September was also the twins’ birthday month, they were surprised with a cake.
Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Shamsudin Mamat expressed his own heartfelt wish for Hafiz to be blessed with continued strength and better health in the days ahead.
“Today, we celebrate Hafiz’s wish.
“One day, we hope to celebrate his full recovery, too. This is not just about fulfilling a child’s wish for a toy police car.
“It is also a symbol of compassion and altruism, of hearts that care and the willingness of those who are willing to extend helping hands to those who are facing difficult times,” he said at the event.
Make A Wish Malaysia chief executive officer Irene Tan said by granting Hafiz’s wish, they aimed to bring hope, courage and strength.
The event was graced by Selangor princess Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
