THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah visited two Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans in Sg Lembing, Kuantan, today, in conjunction with the Warriors’ Day celebrations.

On his first visit, the ruler spent time with Dzulkifli Husain, 60, who was in need of a wheelchair after losing his right leg to diabetes in 2013, at the latter’s residence in Kg Kolek.

Dzulkifli, who served in the army for 13 years since 1979 in Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Johor and Sarawak, said that he never thought that the Agong would visit him at home as he was just a former non-high-ranking soldier.

“This is an honour for our family who have the opportunity to receive His Majesty’s presence at home. I am very touched because His Majesty saw for himself that my condition is deteriorating, showing how much Tuanku cares about the welfare of former soldiers.

“I was really surprised because I only found out about His Majesty’s visit three days ago from a police officer and since then, I have been really nervous,” he said.

During the visit, Al-Sultan Abdullah drove his vehicle himself to present gifts, including wheelchairs, fans and disposable diapers, to the two military veterans.

Apart from Dzulkifli, the king also visited veteran Mohammad Awang Kechik, 80, at his daughter’s residence in Felda Bukit Kuantan.

Awang’s daughter, Sabariah, 30, said her father, who served in the army for 15 years from 1962, was frail now as his health began to deteriorate around 2018 after the death of his wife a year earlier.

“Currently, I am looking after my father, who suffers from various illnesses including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problem and stroke.

“During the visit, His Majesty asked about my father’s condition and the assistance he has received. I am very grateful because His Majesty’s contribution has helped ease our family’s burden,” she said. – Bernama, August 4, 2020.