New mother separated from blind-and-deaf parent due to TEMCO

KUALA PERLIS, Aug 10  -- “Between a rock and a hard place” is probably the most suitable proverb to describe the feelings of Siti Zulaikha Sharif, 29, who has to be away from her blind-and-deaf mother in Kampung Kuala Sanglang here.

Siti Zulaikha, who just delivered her first child at the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital here on Saturday (Aug 8), has to comply with the regulations which prohibit her from returning to her home which is in an area under the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order (TEMCO).

“My baby and I are currently staying at my sister’s house in Taman Aman, Kangar while my mother, Som Nayan, 78, is alone at home.

“Usually, I am the one who would prepare things for her such as food and drinks because of her condition which she had since she was born. However, my mother is very special as she can manage without my help. But still, I am afraid of any unforeseen incidents,” she told Bernama when contacted today.

Kuala Sanglang and Kampung Tanah Timbul in Perlis have been placed under the administrative TEMCO from Aug 10-31 due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in the state, including 10 new cases linked to the PUI Sivagangga cluster in Kedah.

Siti Zulaikha, who has been taking care of Som after her father and brother were killed in an accident 10 years ago, had to ask her neighbour, Rubiah Daud, to help her mother at home, including transferring money to her to buy food and drinks.

She added although her mother was a disabled person, she was always aware  of her surroundings by using her mobile phone and a special application for the blind called "Be My Eyes".

Meanwhile, Arshad Daud, a 45-year-old labourer from Kampung Tanah Timbul here, has to take care of his three children aged between three and eight years at home, as his wife Ismawati Ismail, 38, was admitted to a hospital in Kangar yesterday to deliver their fourth child.

“Alhamdulillah, my wife has safely delivered our daughter at 5.45 a.m. today. I admit it is not easy for me to handle my kids alone. I also could not meet and recite the Iqamah to my new child because we are separated by the TEMCO,” he said, adding that he cannot wait for the TEMCO to be over to see his wife and their baby.

-- BERNAMA