While this may be the typical Muslim home for many, it was never the case for Salman Abdullah and his family.
Does the name ring a bell? How about the Frogman?
If you’ve strolled around Sogo KL, chances are you’ve run into an adorable frog mascot at the entrance.
Salman was already a familiar face at the mall, but it wasn’t until FMT’s report earlier this year that he found instant stardom on social media. This has not only opened a new chapter in his life, but also that of his family’s.
But behind this full-time mascot’s cheerful portrayal of Frogman lies a story of struggle and sadness.
The second of three siblings, the 23-year-old braves the blazing heat and pouring rain, to don his costume from morning to evening, so he can financially support his family, in particular his disabled sister.
Salman’s sister, Siti Nur Ashikin, 24, was born with a damaged spinal cord, a hole in the heart, and cataracts. She is also deaf.
Every member of the family makes their living on the streets. While Salman is the Frogman, his father and younger brother are buskers. Even his mother and sister accompany him to Sogo every single day.
Sadly, they each bring home a meagre income. But thanks to FMT’s coverage of Salman’s story, everything changed for the family almost overnight.
“For two days, my phone kept buzzing. I couldn’t even sleep,” Salman told FMT, his excitement apparent.
“There were people who asked, ‘Are you Frogman? The one featured on FMT?’ I’ll reach Sogo in the morning, and people will say, ‘Hey, that’s Frogman’, then take pictures with me.”
“I couldn’t even go to the bathroom sometimes!” he said, laughing.
Not only did Salman gain popularity, his story moved many to donate diapers and milk for his sister.
His mother, Saniah Taib, 52, said: “I feel happy to receive all this help. To all those who gave us donations, thank you.”
Recently, mother and son did something they had never done in all their years living in KL: shopping for Hari Raya.
“I usually just watch others shop during Hari Raya. I’ve never shopped myself,” Salman said, tears welling in his eyes.
“It is sad, seeing others celebrate Hari Raya, wearing baju Raya, while I’m not.”
Salman’s father, Johari Mad Salleh, 53, said he fervently hoped the family’s dark days were over forever.
“I wanted to buy kuih raya for Salman,” he said, choking up with emotion.
“Initially, I wanted to pawn my handphone, but they wouldn’t accept it. So I sold it for RM40.” He added that he used this money to buy the Raya treats.
FMT visited the family again recently, bearing gifts for the coming Hari Raya. It is a home filled with happiness and laughter once again, illuminated with twinkling lights, decorations on the walls, plates of rendang ayam, and kuih-muih of all shapes and sizes laid out for all to enjoy.
Johari and his youngest son also sang Raya songs, making the moments merrier.
“I want to thank all the people of Malaysia,” Salman said. “Regardless of race or religion, all who have helped my family until now.
“Even those from Singapore who came forward to help. May Allah reward all of you for your good deeds.”
Although grateful for the support, Salman is bent on taking his act further so he can become self-sustainable. He has been actively promoting the Frogman and has already accepted gigs for private shows and events.
“I can’t rely on the contributions of others forever. I have to survive myself,” he explained.
May Salman’s story be a reminder that life can take a turn for the better when you least expect it.
Salman can be contacted at 011-1424 6815.