63YO M’sian Woman Dies At Home; Leaves Behind Starving Down Syndrome Child

A lot of us rely on our parents to support us, especially when we are still unable to support ourselves.

And when we become more capable, it’s our turn to tell them that they can rest and that we will take care of them now.

But what if our parents leave this world when we’re still unable to support ourselves? What then?

According to The Star, this was the case for a 22-year-old Down Syndrome lady in Johor Bahru.

What Happened

She was staying with her 63-year-old mother who was her primary caretaker.

On Saturday, 12 October, the lady’s 27-year-old brother decided to visit them at 11.10pm and when he arrived at the house, he called out for his mother but was met with no response.

That was when he climbed the house grill and ventured further into the house. And he saw his mother laying motionless on the living room floor, so he immediately called 999 for help.

According to Asia One, Larkin Fire and Rescue Department operations commander, Saifulizam Mohd Salleh, said that nine personnel and one Emergency Medical Rescue Services unit rushed to the house in Taman Impian Emas.

When they arrived, they found the motionless woman on the floor and her special needs daughter in the bathroom severely starved and dehydrated. They quickly tended to her and made sure she received liquids so that she could rehydrate herself.

Aftermath

The lady will now be taken care of by her brother.

ACP Mohd Taib said that the deceased who went by the name Chiong had been dead for the past five days. This also means that her daughter had probably not eaten anything since then.

Sadly, her son is unsure as to why she suddenly passed because she seemed to be in good health when he last saw her on 30 September.

A post-mortem showed that it was ruled as sudden death.

We extend our deepest condolences to their family and hope that they find strength in this trying time.

Cherish the people around you because you never know when they may be gone. Life is precious and way too short to bear grudges. Make sure you go back home and tell your loved ones that you love them!

Disclaimer: An alternate source, TODAYonline, reported that it was a 12-year-old disabled boy who was left behind. It is unclear as to which source is correct.