KUALA LUMPUR – All Aida Najwa Nasir wanted was approval from the police to travel from here to Nilai, Negri Sembilan, to take her disabled and ill father to hospital following complications with his dialysis treatment.
Her request was rejected, and her 52-year-old father, Nasir Nordin, died days later.
In relating her ordeal on social media, she said on April 17, she received a call from her father asking if she could take him to Seremban Hospital as his usual dialysis centre was not able to rectify an issue.
The 26-year-old said she went to the Salak South police station to seek permission to travel. When police asked her who usually takes him to hospital, she answered her aunt.
One of the policemen then asked: “Then, where is your aunt? Did she die?”
Then, where is your aunt? Did she die?
Taken aback, Aida replied that her aunt had to return to her home town due to an emergency. The cops then asked if she had any other siblings that could help.
“I told them that my sister is working, while another cannot drive. The police then nonchalantly said, ‘if she can't drive, doesn’t she know how to book a Grab?’”
Despite explaining that her father is disabled and booking an e-hailing service would not be suitable, Aida said the police were adamant about not granting approval, citing she did not have enough proof.
On April 28, Nasir breathed his last breath, and only then was Aida allowed to travel out of state for his funeral.
“I was finally able to meet Abah, but he was still, whose spirit was already separated from his body, who was not able to talk or laugh, who was wrapped in white cloth from head to toe.
“I know death is in God’s hand, but I’m sad that I was not able to be by his side during his last moments,” she said.
I know death is in God’s hand, but I’m sad that I was not able to be by his side during his last moments.
Hundreds of messages of condolences have poured in for Aida and her family, while thousands of other comments slammed the police for their lack of sympathy and empathy in carrying out their duties.
This is also not the first time the police have refused permission to those wanting to return to their home towns to meet their ailing family members.
Twitter user @iamhanifhanafi said he went through a similar situation in the past when, despite providing documentary evidence that his mother had been admitted to the emergency room, the police refused approval, saying: “She’s not dead yet, right? Just nazak (dying), right? Don’t overreact.”
Several social media users also shared their past experiences of being denied interstate travel despite their parents being sick or in critical condition, and were only allowed to cross state borders after a death.
A simple search on Facebook or Twitter would bring up different results of Malaysians facing similar ordeals, which begs the question of compassion and discretion in the force. – The Vibes, April 30, 2021
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