In a desperate bid to save his family from relentless loan sharks, a 31-year-old clerk named Zurrad made the heart-wrenching decision to sell one of his kidneys for RM100,000.
This drastic measure was taken to settle his father’s mounting debt, which had spiralled out of control after an ill-fated investment.
‘We were hounded by loan sharks every day’
According to a report by Kosmo, Zurrad revealed that his father’s secret struggle with debt came to light only when the family’s old car was sold off under the guise of being rarely used.
“We didn’t know my father was in debt until he sold the car. Even then, the money wasn’t enough, and we were hounded by loan sharks every day,” he said.
The buyer also covered RM150,000 cost of the transplant
Faced with no other options and tormented by the constant threats, Zurrad turned to Facebook in December 2022 to advertise his kidney.
The emotional toll of being pursued by loan sharks pushed him to this extreme decision.
“I couldn’t bear the daily harassment anymore,” he confessed.
After five months, Zurrad was contacted by several individuals. Among them was a man from Johor seeking a kidney donor for his father, who was battling chronic kidney disease.
The journey was long and fraught with challenges, requiring extensive compatibility tests and procedures. Finally, after a year, the kidney transfer was successfully completed.
The buyer not only paid Zurrad RM100,000 but also covered the RM150,000 cost of the transplant at a private hospital.
There’s a risk, there’s a sense of relief, however
Now, six months after the surgery, Zurrad lives with the risks associated with having one kidney but feels a sense of relief knowing his family’s ordeal is over.
“I accept the health risks, but I did it for my family’s sake,” he said.
This case is part of a troubling trend where individuals, driven by financial desperation, turn to illegal means to survive.
Reports surfaced about people openly selling their kidneys on Facebook, with prices starting at RM55,000.
This activity, which emerged in December 2022, is facilitated through a Kidney Donor Search group, where sellers share personal details with potential buyers despite the legal ramifications.
