Their father, former Utusan Malaysia journalist Muhammad Basir Abu Bakar, passed away on Feb 15 from a heart condition. In October 2023, the siblings had already lost their mother, Nor Azlina Jaafar, following a liver infection.

Now orphaned, the children’s longing for their parents only grows stronger as Syawal approaches. No longer will they wake up to their smiles encouraging them to perform Aidilfitri prayers.

All that remains are memories: of mum and dad picking them up from school, for example – and of their mother’s homemade mee rebus, Zahra’s favourite dish.

Two years ago, it was the first meal they had enjoyed as a family on Raya morning, not knowing it would be the last time Nor Azlina would prepare it for her family.

“Even though I love all of my mother’s cooking, that mee rebus is what I will miss forever. My mother loved to cook, and others loved her cooking, too,” Zahra told FMT recently.

The siblings are now cared for by their aunt, Siti Salha Abu Bakar, and her husband, Bahari Ahmad Mustapha, in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

For Zahra, Aidilfitri is no longer about new clothes or delicious dishes on the table. Raya morning will be spent visiting their parents’ graves at the Batu 10 Muslim Cemetery in Cheras, before celebrating with their aunt’s family.

As the eldest, Zahra realises the need to guide her siblings through challenges – one of Basir’s last wishes before his passing.

“Father told me that if he was no longer around, I should take care of my younger siblings because he knew I was strong,” she shared.

“So, I have to be strong for them and continue with life, especially by excelling in my studies. This is the only way I can repay my parents.”