Since then, the 50-year-old has been mostly bedridden and unable to feed his two daughters, aged 15 and 19.
He rents a room for RM300 in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, which is subsidised by Baitulmal. “That is the only aid I have from the government,” he told FMT.
To make ends meet, he relies on the generosity of neighbours and friends to buy peanuts or kacang putih which he repacks and sells to buy food for his children.
But Covid-19 restrictions have ended his daily income of about RM20 and he is unable to feed his children and himself.
“If I am alone, I don’t mind if I go hungry. But it pains me to see my children go hungry,” he said. “I don’t want to rely on handouts but all I want is assistance to expand my kacang putih business and add other items that I can sell,” he told FMT, tears streaming down his cheeks.
He hopes the public will donate some funds for him to set up a small stall where he will sell kacang putih and other snacks.
“If I can get some funds to buy a table, parasol umbrella and some extra money to buy ingredients for kacang putih and other snacks, we would be grateful. It would help us to be independent and give my children a better life,” he added.
He wants this year to be a better year for his children so that they could focus on their studies.
For those who wish to help Shakier, do drop us a WhatsApp message on FMT’s Helpline at 0193899839.
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