KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians living abroad should contact the country’s representatives in the event of emergencies or if they require consular assistance, said the Foreign Ministry, stressing that it is concerned for their well-being.
Responding to reports on Khaidir Abu Jalil, who has been warded at a hospital in Sydney for six months without having received any visitors, the ministry said a consular officer has met him.
It said Khaidir, a construction engineer who was rendered unemployed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and left stranded in Australia, is recovering from his rare autoimmune disease, and due to be discharged soon.
Khaidir has clarified that news reports on him not being in contact with his family in Malaysia are “inaccurate”, and that he has constantly kept in touch with them throughout his hospital stay, it said.
“He also admitted that he did not inform of his situation to the (Malaysian) high commission in Canberra or the Malaysian consulate in Sydney.”
It said Khaidir is nevertheless thankful for the support and assistance given by all quarters.
“Khaidir has requested space to undergo recovery calmly, without interference from the media at this time.”
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Khaidir, who was warded at St Vincent’s Hospital in July, suffers from dermatomyositis, with a 50% survival rate.
He was dubbed the “loneliest man” in the hospital as he does not know anyone in Australia.
The report quoted the hospital’s head of rheumatology, Dr Laila Girgis, as saying Khaidir came to the country to earn money to support his family back home.
However, he lost his job at a construction company in Melbourne due to the virus crisis, which also prevented his family from visiting him.
Dr Girgis said his visa status is uncertain, and he became homeless after his lease on an apartment in Victoria ended.
Khaidir’s condition has caused his weight to plummet to 42kg since February, with his temperature spiking past 40°C daily, reported the Herald.
It said the illness has resulted in necrotising lesions on his hands and elbows, while his lungs are rapidly deteriorating.
Khaidir has also been resuscitated in the intensive care unit several times, said the newspaper.
Although he had been expected to be discharged in time for Christmas, he is due to be sent to Tierney House, a homeless shelter operated by the hospital, where he will stay for only two weeks.
His lack of funds and uncertain future have prompted Malaysians to launch a fundraiser for him via crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. – The Vibes, December 25, 2020
