Disability No Barrier For Father Determined To Care For His Children

JERTIH, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Physical limitations caused by a congenital disability affecting both legs have not stopped Zani Mamat, 48, from carrying out his responsibilities as a father, including picking up his three children from school every day.

Relying on crutches to move around, Zani rides a three-wheeled motorcycle to fetch his youngest child, Mohd Zain Nazmi, 11, from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Beting Lintang before heading to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tembila to pick up Mohd Zarif Nazmi, 15, and Zulaika Najwa, 13.

He makes the approximately 10-kilometre journey every day at about 1 pm as part of his routine in raising four children with his wife, Nurul Hafizan, 38.

“At times, deep down, I feel sad when thinking about our family’s situation, but I accept God’s will when I see others facing even greater challenges.

“My children are still able to manage themselves despite their physical disabilities. That makes me grateful and motivates me to keep going,” he told Bernama when met here today.

Three of the couple’s four children have congenital disabilities -- the eldest, Zawani Najwa, 17, Mohd Zarif and Mohd Zain, while Zulaika is the only child without a disability.

Zani said Zawani has paralysis in both legs and is unable to stand, relying on crawling or scooting to move around.

He said Zawani previously attended mainstream classes at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tembila up to Form Four but later dropped out as she did not want to continue depending on assistance from teachers and friends.

“As for Mohd Zarif, his legs have been bent and rigid since birth, and he attends the Special Education Integration Programme (PPKI) at SMK Tembila. He uses a wheelchair at school and moves around by scooting on the floor at home.

“Mohd Zain also attends PPKI classes at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Beting Lintang and uses a wheelchair at school. He can only stand briefly while holding onto something,” he said.

Zani said Zulaika, who is currently a Form One student at SMK Tembila, was a twin, but her sibling passed away at the age of three months.

To support his family, Zani does not rely solely on welfare assistance. Instead, he operates an anchovy-processing workshop at Pantai Beting Lintang during the anchovy season, which typically lasts about five months a year.

He said that when the catch is poor, he earns additional income by repairing fishermen’s nets in the Beting Lintang area.

The family also receives monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department (JKM), while Mohd Zarif and Mohd Zain receive financial assistance as persons with disabilities (PwDs).

Despite his determination to provide for his family, Zani remains concerned about his children’s future should he and his wife no longer be around.

“Sometimes I wonder who will look after them in the future. I hope my children can become independent and not have to rely too heavily on others,” he said.

-- BERNAMA