BUTTERWORTH – Helping in childbirth might just be the secret to longevity according to Malaysia’s oldest woman Annamah Abukutty, better known as Patti Annamah, who is now reportedly 110 years old.
The midwife has assisted in more than 700 childbirth deliveries at her village in Batu Gajah for six generations and her vast knowledge in herbal medicines has helped to heal mothers during their confinement period.
The centenarian woman is also well equipped with alternative medicine skills.
Annamah, who is recognised as Malaysia’s oldest woman by the Malaysia Book of Records on March 31 here, has also performed reflexology or traditional massage for people who are suffering from hand and leg sprain.
The wheelchair-bound grandmother still travels between Butterworth and Batu Gajah when the need arises.
Her grandson, S. Ezilan, 41, said she has vast knowledge in herbal medicines and sold her concoctions to her own social circle.
“The nice thing is that mothers who were under my grandmother’s care for delivery still return to visit her, sometimes their children or grandchildren accompany their parents to visit my grandmother.
“The mothers used to depend on memory lane to refresh her memories as they had suffered from pre-natal and post-delivery issues. My grandmother still recognises some of the women who had sought her services as a midwife,” he said.
Annamah was born and raised in Tanchapatti, Tamilnadu, India, and migrated to Malaysia during her teenage years before World War II. She brought along her knowledge of Tamil herbal medicines based on Siddar Maruthuvam or Tamil Maruthuvam, traditional massage, and the art of tattooing.
Besides having five children, with two surviving, including Subramaniam, 73, the father of Ezilan, Annamah has 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She lives with Subramaniam.
Annamah said: “I believe the reason for my longevity is fasting a day in a week, my eating habits, and the herbal and traditional food that I consumed for a long time that kept me healthy.
“Malaysia is full of herbal plants. We can explore and exploit the nature that we have been blessed with,” she added.
During a celebration here on March 31, attended by Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) chief executive officer Christopher Wong, Annamah was presented with a recognition certificate for having defended her record as the Oldest Living Woman in Malaysia, which she has held since last year.
"I have been informed that she is also the oldest Malaysian alive,” Wong added. – The Vibes, April 13, 2021
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