Raya is often remembered as the occasion that sees families coming together and celebrating the festivities, but for some, it’s one of sorrow and heartbreak.
This is certainly true for the elderly parents left behind at an old folks’ home in Johor Bahru, with some never seeing their children again from the day they were first sent there.
M’sian woman abandoned by kids at Johor old folks’ home
One such heartbreaking case was shared by Saifullah Zulkarnain, who’s the manager of the Nur Ehsan Elderly Care Centre.
“There was one woman who was sent here by her children and she kept calling out for them. They never came, and she passed away before Ramadan without seeing them again.
Even after her death, the children did not come forward to arrange the funeral. A relative eventually stepped in to handle the rites,” he told NST.
Increasing number of elderly parents being dumped
Saifullah said the demand to place old or sickly parents at the old folks’ home on a temporary basis during Aidilfitri has been increasing in recent years, a trend he believes is at total odds with the spirit of the occasion.
He added that during the one to two weeks leading up to Raya, the old folks’ home would be inundated with calls from children looking to send their parents there.
“The children gave various reasons, among them being holiday plans or that their parents could not join them for Raya outstation due to distance. They are willing to pay the fees despite the high cost.
“However, we do not entertain such requests, as it contradicts the values of Aidilfitri, which is meant to be celebrated in gratitude with loved ones, especially the parents who raised us.
“We only accept genuine cases with valid reasons, such as elderly people with chronic illnesses, families truly unprepared or unable to care for them, and referrals from the Johor Islamic Religious Council,” he explained.
Saifullah added some have even gone to greater lengths to shirk off the responsibility of caring for their parents, with them changing their phone numbers to stay uncontactable.
However, he acknowledged there are some who take time to visit their parents weekly and celebrate Raya with them. Sadly, the figure for such instances is low.
Since 2015, the Nur Ehsan Elderly Care Centre has opened its doors to the public, including those whose parents are no longer alive, to celebrate Raya with its residents in order to uplift their spirits.
Saifullah said the centre also prepares special dishes on the first and second day of Raya. Some visitors have even cooked for the home and shared it with the rest.
