Retired lance corporal, A Arol Jesuthasan, 57, and his wife M Susheela Devi, visited the two sisters, Khairiyah Alisha Khosim, 10, and her 18-month-old sister Khaira Amni, in the Penang Hospital yesterday after hearing of their plight.
The two girls survived an accident on April 29 in which their parents had reportedly shielded them in a tight embrace moments before impact. Their father Khosim Ismail, 32, and mother Khairunnisa Ahmad Kamaluddin, 31, died instantly but had managed to save their daughters’ lives.
According to the daily, Arol will be donating half of his full month’s pension for the month of December, every year from now until 2035, so as to help the girls with their start to the new school year.
Based on his current monthly pension, it was reported that the amount would be RM500, but that amount could increase subject to future increments to his pension as declared by the government.
He told The Star he was moved by the plight of the children, who are left with an uncertain future, and so gave a pledge in writing to their grandmother Ashah Ariffin, 53, yesterday.
Rotary Club of George Town public relations director Don Law, who was present, witnessed the pledge.
“I will constantly call to check on them and visit the kids as they move from primary to secondary school,” Arol was quoted as saying by The Star.
The sisters are still recovering from their injuries, with the older girl needing more surgery on her broken legs. The toddler Khaira is also in need of physical therapy and other help in order to learn to walk again after all the toes on her right foot were amputated.
Their grandmother was so moved by Arol’s pledge to help the girls for so many years, telling The Star: “It’s a mixed feeling of happiness and sadness to see people helping us in so many ways.”
Donations can be made to the girls through the Rotary Club. For details, please call club president Beh Chin Tat at 012-474 6282 or Law at 012-433 1155.