When he was about three months old, he suffered brain damage due to a condition called acute cerebral edema – also known as brain swelling – which impacted his body coordination. He also lost his eyesight from retinal haemorrhage.
Unable to care for her son as a single parent, K’ng’s mother contacted the Malaysian Association for the Welfare of Mentally Challenged Children, which also goes by the name IQ70+.
K’ng was brought from Penang, where he had lived with his mum, to the association’s home in Petaling Jaya.
“When he came to live with us in March 2020, he was using a tube to consume his milk and couldn’t really turn his body,” said Pu Shu Shan, a full-time member of the non-profit organisation.
The team regularly brings K’ng to a doctor at a private hospital, and has also arranged for physio and speech therapists to work with him weekly. The child’s mother visits whenever she can.
According to Pu, these physiotherapy sessions are important to keep his body flexible and avoid muscular atrophy. Meanwhile, through speech therapy, he is learning how to chew and swallow his food.
Today, he is able to drink milk without using a tube, consume porridge, turn his body, and even crawl for a short distance.
“Although these treatments were expensive, we believe it will help improve his condition,” Pu told FMT.
To cover the expenses, IQ70+ had previously raised funds by reaching out to the public through social media. These funds, unfortunately, have run out.
Yearly expenses for K’ng amount to approximately RM61,000, which includes medical, milk and diaper costs, a 24-hour caretaker, as well as the therapies.
“To date, we have managed to raise approximately RM15,000 but are still RM46,000 short,” Pu said, adding that IQ70+ hopes members of the public will be able to help.
The association was started in 2012 and has 72 residents aged between two and 74 years, who have various conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and autism.
They all live in two adjacent single-storey bungalow lots rented by the organisation. There are 15 full-time employees, including caretakers.
As for the moniker IQ70+, Pu explained: “Our residents have an IQ of 70 or below. But we included a ‘plus’ because we hope to help them progress.”
The residents, who are usually referred to the association through word of mouth, come from single or poor families and are looked after at no charge.
During FMT’s visits, they were seen doing simple activities such as colouring, writing and mathematics, while others helped out with basic chores.
Help for J’den
Pu, who has worked with the NGO for five years, hopes to be able to keep providing the best possible care for K’ng.
“When we first saw him, we were smitten by how cute he was. He is a lovely little boy who, unfortunately, has gone through so many challenges.
“Without the help of kind-hearted people, J’den will not be able to receive much-needed treatment and therapy. We sincerely hope you will lend him a helping hand.”
Those who wish to help J’den K’ng can send a WhatsApp message to FMT’s Helpline at 019-3899839. Please do not call.