Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar (left) presenting the aid to Zaiton Sameon, who was represented by a member of her foster family Ramlah Awang (right).- BernamaPic
KUALA LUMPUR: The popular 80s singer Zaiton Sameon, 67, receives help through the Prihatin MADANI initiative on Sunday (Sept 24).
The aid of RM3,000 in cash from Yayasan Taqwa and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) was presented by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar to members of the singer's foster family.
Mohd Na'im, came to Zaiton's house in a flat in Bukit Indah, Ampang. However, she was in Melaka and the two converse though a video call instead.
"I hope this donation can ease her hardship and she can use this money for her expenses. We pray that she will be blessed with good health.
"We will continue to respond to the government's call through the Prihatin MADANI programme and provide assistance to the asnaf in need," said Mohd Na'im to reporters after handing over the assistance.
Meanwhile, a member of the singer's foster family, Ramlah Awang, 53, said Zaiton now only depends on help from various parties.
"This can help her in terms of daily expenses because she has no living relatives. She only depends on shows at weddings and birthdays. She earns between RM500 to RM1,000 if the location is far away.
"Six months ago, she fell in an elevator, but she is fine and slowly recovering, although she still limps around. Before this, she had to be carried around and wore disposable diapers," Ramlah told reporters.
Recently, Zaiton reportedly asked for financial help because she was living at her foster family's house and not getting many singing offers.
Zaiton was involved in a road accident in Batang Kali, Selangor, in 1990, resulting in the death of her only son, Azirwan Abu Bakar, who was 13 years old at the time. Zaiton also suffered temporary memory loss.
Prihatin MADANI is an initiative implemented by the government to address the plight of the needy, especially orphans and tithe recipients.- Bernama
