Liew sharing a light moment with Zhafran (centre) during a home visit. — Photo courtesy of Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah’s Facebook
KOTA KINABALU: Zhafran Hajazi Zainuddin made his way up the stairs to his classroom, grappling with his bag like it was just another part of his daily routine.
To his relief, a classmate, Mohd Eddy Haikal Nadir, noticed Zhafran’s predicament and offered a helping hand.
This simple gesture soon became a regular task for Mohd Eddy, who willingly took on the responsibility without any fuss.
In 2017, Zhafran received a diagnosis of end-stage renal failure, a condition that resulted in his small stature and limited his ability to perform strenuous tasks like carrying his own bag or climbing stairs.
Sometimes, Mohd Eddy would even carry Zhafran if climbing became too difficult for him.
This heartwarming friendship between the two 13-year-olds from SMK Abaka in Merotai, Tawau, caught the attention of Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, who described them as “a shining example for others to emulate”.
“Salute. I am really proud of their friendship. This is what we want. Sincerity in friendship,” Liew wrote on his Facebook page recently.
Intrigued to find out more about Zhafran, Liew decided to pay the boy a visit at his house in Merotai Kecil, about 40km from Tawau town, accompanied by Tawau health officer Dr Shameer Sulaiman Khas and paediatric consultant Dr Asmiati Abd Hamid.
Mother Hasnah Marola, 40, said Zhafran, the eldest of three siblings, was diagnosed with the illness after complaining of abdominal pain and the presence of blood in his urine.
Most appreciative: Zhafran and best friend, Mohd Eddy (left) posing for a shot. — Photo courtesy of Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah’s Facebook
Hasnah and her husband took the boy to Tawau Hospital where he was warded for 10 days and later referred to Likas Hospital for further examination. Zhafran was then advised to begin dialysis, three times a week, in 2021.
“Despite his limitations, he is strong-willed. We are grateful that he has a friend like Mohd Eddy to support and encourage him,” said Hasnah.
She added that Zhafran used to receive RM200 monthly in welfare aid. It stopped four months ago despite their continued applications.
Hoping for her son’s swift recovery, Hasnah said it pains her deeply every time Zhafran inquires about returning home during his hospital stays.
“He has endured too much suffering,” she said.
Dr Asmiati has recommended looking for a kidney donor as the optimal treatment for the boy.
“He can only drink 500ml to 600ml of water daily; exceeding the prescribed intake could lead to health complications,” she said.
Dr Shameer assured the family that they would conduct weekly visits to Zhafran’s home to monitor his condition.
