ELECTED representatives are facing a huge responsibility as a result of the deadly Covid-19 outbreak – the increasing number of orphans whose parents have died from the virus.

These politicians are now left to cater for the needs of these children, some as young as two years’ old, including finding new homes for them as well as seeking financial support for their future.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry reported on August 13 that 33 children across the country were orphaned during the pandemic.

In one case in Hulu Selangor, eight children between the ages of four and 19 were left all alone after their parents fell victims to Covid-19 last month.

Hulu Selangor MP June Leow said there were many such cases in the constituency in the past year.

“These children who become orphans were all dependents of their parents, some are still in their learning stages, with the youngest only aged two.

“Kind-hearted Malaysians have helped these children but I worry about the children’s future,” Leow told The Malaysian Insight.

In the case of the eight children left orphaned, Leow said she felt so sad and sorry for those kids.

“They have been adopted by big entrepreneurs, but it is still impossible to fill the trauma faced by the children who are left without the love of their parents.

“This pain will last a lifetime. I feel very sorry,” Leow said.

She said for such cases, she would first assist in contacting the children’s relatives if they intend to take care of them. She will also get feedback from the children.

“So far, relatives have agreed to look after the children, but after the children are handed over, we will continue to supervise them,” Leow said.

She said most of the parents became victims of Covid-19 family clusters after either parent was infected in the workplace.

“Hulu Selangor is a remote area, but many in the working class live here while working in Kuala Lumpur.

“They will commute to Kuala Lumpur everyday. Kuala Lumpur is a high-risk area, so the virus was brought back indirectly, bringing sporadic cases here,” Leow said.

She also attributed the spread of the virus to the lack of awareness among the family members and public in general.

“When we deliver supplies to those who are quarantined at home, we find that they seem to be celebrating as a family.

“I once asked a family who the quarantined individual was and the mother pointed to her son.

“Her son was not wearing a mask at the time and was having a meal at the same table with the family,” she said.

Leow said some believe that as long as they do not step out of the house, they are doing no wrong.

“Because of this attitude, we see cases of infection being passed from parents to their children, or from adult children to the elderly parents,” Leow said.

High number of family infections

Teratai assemblyman Bryan Lai Wai Chong said he handled a family tragedy two months ago in his constituency that borders Kuala Lumpur to the west.

A family of three was diagnosed with Covid-19 in June. The parents eventually died, leaving behind their 17-year-old son.

It is understood that the father, who opened a laundry service business, brought the virus home to his wife and son after he was infected in the shop.

The father was first sent to the intensive care unit while the mother and son were sent to the hospital.

The father was never discharged since he was admitted. The mother was discharged but also died due to complications. Only the son survived.

Lai said both parents died within a month, and he assisted the teenager in handling the parents’ funeral affairs.

“After that, the young man returned to his hometown in Kulai, Johor,” he said.

Lai recounted another story that happened a few days ago, involving a 13-year-old child calling him for help after his mother died due to Covid-19.

The child’s father was infected and his blood oxygen was low, he said.

“He should have been admitted but the hospital did not accept him.

“All I could do was to send him a portable oxygen tank. The father recovered,” Lai said.

Since April, more than 50% of the requests for help that Lai received were related to family infections.

He said that Covid-19 deaths were happening rapidly from the time a person is infected.

“Now we hear about Covid-19 deaths happening within only five days of getting infected.

“Previously, it starts with the diagnosis, then the condition deteriorates. Now, the diagnosis and death occur in an instant.

“I am worried about whether the mutant virus has become more serious,” Lai said.

Avoid social activities

It is not just the elected reps who face such trauma involving children.

Klang Municipal Council councillor Lee Fu Haw said that he has handled more than five such cases in the past two months.

These included a pair of 16-year-old and 21-year-old sisters who became orphans.

There was also a tragedy in which a large family of eight contracted the virus, and all members died.

“After hearing about such cases, our disinfection team will be sent to disinfect the homes and help apply death certificates for families in need.

“The team will also provide supplies to the children for their urgent needs,” Lee said.

Although the government has further relaxed various restrictions including dine-in, he urged the public to think twice when engaging in social activities.

Currently, there are still serious infections spreading among families, Lee warned.

With the number of Covid-19 deaths continuing to be high, the ministry had promised to assist orphaned children, including providing psychological counselling.

Malaysia is inching closer towards 15,000 Covid-19 deaths. – August 26, 2021.