KUANTAN: The bond of sisterhood is something that has to be cherished for a lifetime, and that is exactly what Zuraidah Ahmad has been doing over the years.
The 65-year-old has been a pillar of support for her two ailing elder sisters including one who is bedridden due to an illness several years ago.
The trio -Azizah, 78, Kamaliah, 70, and Zuraidah - who are also single mothers live under one roof in a house belonging to their ancestors at Kampung Bukit Sekilau near here, and Zuraidah is single-handedly managing the household chores.
Zuraidah is the youngest of eight siblings, while Azizah is the eldest. They would spend long hours in Kamaliah's room since she cannot move around and required assistance to get up from the bed.
"Kamaliah was normal until three years ago when doctors found her leg veins were blocked and she could not walk. She weighs more than 100kg and that makes it difficult for her to move so she spends her time lying on the bed.....Azizah and myself seldom allow her to be alone in the room.
"There were incidents when Kamaliah fell on the bathroom floor and I had to contact the Civil Defence Force to come and assist. Such incidents happen quite often (Kamaliah falling on floor) and sometimes the Fire and Rescue Department will help us.
"Due to her weight, I am unable to lift her while Azizah has complications in the gallbladder.
"We are fully dependent on the monthly aid received from the Welfare Department, Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Muip), non-governmental organisations and well-wishers who would occasionally drop by to send assistance including food supplies," she said when met at her home here yesterday.
The wooden house was filled with joy and laughter yesterday as Yayasan Petronas representatives visited the sisters as part of their Uplifting Lives Hari Raya Aidilfitri programme to hand over food supplies, and Aidilfitri biscuits.
Zuraidah, who expressed delight with the grocery basket ahead of Aidilfitri, said the three of them never left the house and Aidilfitri would usually be a quiet celebration.
"We will be at home and sometimes relatives or old friends will drop by to visit us. I will cook some extra dishes in case we have visitors.....there is no lavish spendings as we have to be thrifty to have enough cash to purchase medicine and groceries, and I will plan our monthly expenditures.
"Sometimes, I am mentally and physically tired but I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to be together with my sisters. We support each other through difficult times, share laughter and stories especially about our past together.
"Since my sisters are unwell, I no longer stay overnight when visiting relatives and would return home to prepare their meals, and medicines. Although they can eat on their own, I prefer to be around at home in case of any emergencies," she said, adding their other siblings and children live in the state capital but everyone has their own families.
Meanwhile, Kamaliah said she is extremely grateful to Zuraidah to help manage and run the family all by herself.
"It is not easy but she (Zuraidah) never complained. I am not sure how things would have been if she was not around with me confined to the bed the entire day," she said.
Meanwhile, Petronas East Coast senior manager, Yusri Anuar Ahmad said Zuraidah's family was among some 400 families in four districts in Pahang namely Kuantan, Rompin, Bera and Bentong who were selected to receive aid contributed by Yayasan Petronas.
He said the assistance will help provide some cheer to the less fortunate and bring joy during the upcoming festive season.
