KUALA LUMPUR: Zaiton Sameon, a popular 80s singer aged 67, received assistance through the Prihatin MADANI initiative on Sunday (Sept 24).
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, presented RM3,000 in cash aid from Yayasan Taqwa and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) to the singer’s foster family members.
Mohd Na’im visited Zaiton’s house in a flat in Bukit Indah, Ampang. However, since she was in Melaka, the two had a video call instead of meeting in person.
“I hope this donation can ease her hardship and that she can use the money for her expenses. We pray that she will be blessed with good health,” Mohd Na’im told reporters after handing over the assistance.
“We will continue to respond to the government’s call through the Prihatin MADANI programme and provide assistance to the asnaf in need,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ramlah Awang, a member of Zaiton’s foster family, shared that Zaiton now relies on help from various sources.
“This aid can assist her with daily expenses since she has no immediate family. She relies solely on performing at weddings and birthdays, and she earns between RM500 to RM1,000 if the location is far away,” Ramlah explained.
According to Ramlah, six months ago, Zaiton fell in an elevator but is slowly recovering. Prior to this incident, she required assistance to move around and even wore disposable diapers.
Recently, Zaiton reached out for financial help as she has been living with her foster family and hasn’t been receiving many singing offers.
In 1990, Zaiton was involved in a road accident in Batang Kali, Selangor, which sadly resulted in the death of her only 13-year-old son, Azirwan Abu Bakar. Additionally, Zaiton also experienced temporary memory loss as a result of the accident.
Prihatin MADANI is a government initiative aimed at addressing the struggles of the underprivileged, especially orphans and recipients of tithes. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
