03/04/2026

FRIDAY | APR 3, 2026

6

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: For eight-year-old J’den K’ng, whose world has long been shaped by silence, stillness and struggle, a wave of compassion from strangers is now giving him something priceless – a chance at comfort, dignity and a little more ease in his daily life. What began as a simple appeal has since turned into a deeply moving show of humanity, with donors stepping forward to help raise RM30,000 for a customised wheelchair and ongoing treatment – a milestone that caregivers say will change the course of his care. With the target finally reached, founders of Hamidi’s Comrades in Charity (HCIC) marked the milestone by handing over a mock cheque of RM6,200 during a visit to the care centre along Jalan Gasing yesterday. The contribution was part of a wider public response following theSun ’s recent coverage of J’den’s condition, which struck a chord with many. HCIC co-founder Hamidi Mookkaiyah Abdullah said donations came in swiftly after the story was published, including a generous anonymous contribution. “After the story was published, about RM6,200 came in. One contributor deposited RM3,000 anonymously through a cash deposit machine. “When they told me they had collected enough for that stage, we stopped because we did not want to keep taking from people unnecessarily,” he told theSun during the visit to Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia (IQ70Plus) yesterday. Hamidi said the amount raised marked the highest contribution HCIC had made to the centre in a single appeal. HCIC chairman Mejar Singh said the group was able to act quickly as the case had already been verified and the centre was familiar to them. “Normally, the verification is done two ways. One is we go to the house physically and check. If it involves a student, we will usually ask the teacher and the school to verify the case,” he said. Mejar, a former aviation engineer with Malaysia Airlines Berhad, added that HCIC operates through a 16 member committee comprising

Hamidi (centre) said donations came in swiftly for J’den (right) after the story about him was published in theSun . Beside Hamidi is Mejar. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Donors unite to transform life of boy with severe disabilities o Public rallies raised RM30,000 for customised wheelchair and medical care, easing daily struggles of eight-year-old

going through.” On March 13, theSun reported on J’den’s condition and the centre’s appeal. He suffered severe brain damage after a fall at the age of three months, affecting his eyesight and ability to control his limbs. Care center staff Tracy Tan said prolonged muscle stiffness has begun affecting his posture and hip alignment, prompting doctors to recommend a customised corrective wheelchair to stabilise his body and reduce the risk of further complications. J’den remains under full-time care at IQ70Plus, where each day is shaped by therapy, patience and quiet resilience – now eased, even if just a little, by the kindness of those who chose to care.

arrive within the month, after which the centre plans to update donors. “On my side, we just got a few donors only, less than 10. But we also have some regular donors, so they know about J’den’s situation and they are helping,” said Lee, adding that any excess funds have been channelled towards therapy costs and the needs of other children under the centre’s care. Lee also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the coverage, saying it helped bring J’den’s story to a wider audience. “Thank you for helping us to share J’den’s story. Because of the article, more people were able to see his situation and understand what he is

has been met – a relief for those caring for J’den, whose needs are constant and complex. Social worker and the care centre staff Peggy Lee, who first highlighted J’den’s case to theSun , said the customised wheelchair has already been ordered and is now pending delivery. The wheelchair is expected to

retirees and professionals, including former chief executives, who volunteer their time. “Most of the funds are from friends who contribute regularly. When there is a special case, we try our best to support within our limitations,” he said. The care centre has since confirmed that the fundraising target