Mohamad Yasin Mohammed Rafique developed the condition when he was five months old.
The condition, where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, has led to Yasin’s head to swell to a circumference of 75cm, putting pressure on his brain, reported the New Straits Times.
He also has breathing difficulties and is unable to move his head.
Yasin’s mother, who is 18, lives in a partitioned unit in Kampung Cheras Baru with her elder brother, Mohammad Zubair Mohammad Nur, 24, and two younger brothers aged eight and six.
Yasin has to undergo an operation to drain cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain.
Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) doctors have told the family that if they manage to raise the RM9,800 deposit, the operation can be carried out.
The family have resorted to begging for money from passers-by at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) six days ago as they are racing against time to raise money for the baby’s operation, slated for July 3.
Zubair said Yasin would have to be admitted on July 2.
According to doctors, even if the operation is successful, Yasin will not be a “normal” child.
“But if he doesn’t undergo the operation, he will die,” said Zubair.
He said the UNHCR had agreed to undertake half of the total surgery cost, which is RM20,000, adding that his family are all UNHCR-recognised refugees.
However, Zubair said, the family had yet to hear anything from the UN agency on when they would make the payment for the operation.
He said he had to stop working as a scrap metal collector to take care of his sister and Yasin.
Zubair said the family collected about RM200 to RM300 daily from their begging at the TBS.
“We will stop begging once we manage to raise enough money for Yasin’s surgery,” he said.
Yasin’s father, a factory worker, is currently being warded at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) in Kuantan after breaking his leg in a road accident.
“We are saving every cent we have to pay for the surgery. The monthly rental and Yasin’s diapers both cost us RM600 per month,” the father said.
Yasin’s mother said her son’s health was getting worse and he urgently needed help.
Those who wish to help the family can find them at the pedestrian bridge connecting the train stations to TBS from 1pm to 8pm.
Zubair can be reached at 014-3094313.