PETALING JAYA:

With a metal rod in his hand and a large white t-shirt on his lap, Mohd Shakier Ismail pushed his wheelchair to the window and proceeded to tie his makeshift white flag at a window bar.

“I don’t care if people insult me for asking for help. This is my last resort, I don’t know what else to do,” he told FMT.

Shakier was a taxi driver until his life was turned upside down in a hit-and-run accident five years ago. It left him with a back injury which made it difficult for him to walk.

The 50-year-old was forced to give up his job and has been mostly bedridden, unable to fend for his two daughters, aged 15 and 19.

Still, Shakier did not give up and decided to sell snacks to make ends meet. On a good day, he could earn RM60.

He would ignore the immense pain on his spine and walk using crutches, knocking on door after door at a nearby PPR, hoping someone would buy his snacks.

Mohd Shakier Ismail with the snacks he cannot sell during the lockdown. (Pic by Moganraj Villavan)

Then came the Covid-19 lockdown which took away that income. “I tried selling snacks at nearby residential areas but the police would stop and ask me to turn back.”

He has no money left to buy food. To ensure that his daughters have food on the table, he eats only once a day.

“A scoop of rice with soy sauce and fried egg is enough for me,” he said. “If I am alone, I don’t mind going hungry. But I have two daughters who rely on me, I am their father and I have a responsibility to support them.

“I receive other assistance as well, but it is not enough. In fact, as you’re interviewing me right now, I only have RM32 in my wallet,” he said, with tears in his eyes.

After his plight was first highlighted by FMT in January, a kind-hearted person volunteered to pay the rent for his daughters who have lived separately from him for two years.

He now lives alone in a room he rents for RM300 in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, which is subsidised by Baitulmal.

He applied for a low-cost house from Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) in December last year but has yet to receive approval.

“It would be easier for me to take care of my daughters if we live together,” he said, adding that he hopes to receive long-term assistance to help him be independent and give his children a better life.

For those who wish to help Shakier, do drop us a WhatsApp message on FMT’s Helpline at 0193899839.

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With no money for food, wheelchair-bound dad flies white flag

Former cabbie Mohd Shakier Ismail calls for help - for himself and his two daughters.