A 17-year-old Malaysian boy who reportedly left school to help care for his cancer-stricken father is now facing a difficult future after his 54-year-old father died, leaving the family struggling with medical bills, rent and funeral expenses.
The teenager had reportedly stopped attending school to help support his parents while his father battled cancer. Following his father’s death, the family is said to have been left without enough money to meet their immediate needs.
Malaysian social activist Kuan Chee Heng highlighted the teenager’s situation in a series of Facebook posts, appealing to members of the public to help the family through its financial difficulties.
Family reportedly owes thousands in hospital bills
According to Kuan, the teenager approached him after his father died and explained that the family was facing around RM20,000 (about S$6,300) in outstanding hospital bills.
The family is also reportedly at risk of losing their rented home after the father was unable to continue paying rent while he was ill. Kuan described the household as having little or no money left to deal with the mounting expenses.
The situation has reportedly become particularly urgent as the family also needs to make arrangements for the father’s funeral. Kuan said the teenager was looking for a coffin, which was reportedly priced at around RM9,400 (approximately S$3,000).
The teenager is therefore facing the loss of his father while also having to deal with financial responsibilities that would ordinarily be handled by adults.
Teen reportedly asked to use father’s remaining aid
In another Facebook post, Kuan described an incident that highlighted just how desperate the family’s financial situation had become.
The teenager reportedly asked whether he could use around RM70 (about S$22) remaining in his late father’s cashless government assistance account to purchase food for himself and his mother.
Kuan said he told the teenager to go ahead and use the remaining funds, given that the family was struggling to afford basic necessities.
The activist also questioned how the teenager could return to his studies while simultaneously worrying about rent and food expenses. The boy had reportedly wanted to continue his education but had previously left school because he needed to help support his family.
Public appeal made for financial assistance
Kuan said assistance had already been sought from a non-governmental organisation, but the family was reportedly informed that it could take around three weeks before a decision was made on whether aid would be provided.
For a household that is reportedly struggling to afford food and facing outstanding medical bills and funeral expenses, such a waiting period could place additional pressure on the family.
Kuan has since appealed to members of the public to contribute towards helping the teenager and his mother get through the immediate crisis.
The case also highlights the financial difficulties that can arise when a family loses its main source of income while dealing with serious medical expenses. Beyond the immediate hospital and funeral costs, the family may also need assistance with accommodation, food and the teenager’s education.
As the appeal for help continues, members of the public have been urged to support the family if they are able to do so, particularly as the teenager attempts to rebuild his life following his father’s death.