A spokesperson for the hospital said the phones had not stopped ringing since the news of his plight was published by the newspaper on Wednesday, adding that they were in fact finding it hard to cope.

“The local community, both Australians and Malaysians, raised about A$88,000 (RM271,000) in a day. They kept offering to bring Malaysian food for him too. We are thankful for this support,” she told FMT in a phone interview.

Asked if Khaidir Abu Jalil needed financial help for his medical treatment, she replied in the affirmative but could not give the amount because of hospital-patient confidentiality.

According to a Sydney Morning Herald report carried by FMT yesterday, the construction engineer has not had a single visitor since being hospitalised for a rare and deadly autoimmune disease with a 50% survival rate six months ago.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that Khaidir was recovering well and will be discharged in the near future.

Quoting a Wisma Putra statement, it said an officer at the Malaysian Consulate in Sydney had visited Khaidir and said the media report on him was inaccurate as he was always in touch with his family members in Malaysia.

“He also admitted that he did not inform his situation to the Malaysian High Commission in Canberra or the Malaysian Consulate in Sydney. However, he was grateful for the support and assistance provided by all parties.

“Khaidir has requested to be given space to undergo the recovery process calmly and without interruption from the media for now,” it said.

Earlier, local media reported that a former construction engineer from Malaysia was left without any visitors at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, due to dermatomyositis for the past six months.

Malaysians abroad are advised to contact the nearest Malaysian representatives in the event of any emergency and if in need of consular assistance.