A Malaysian father of four has touched hearts after sharing how he continues to work hard for his family despite facing a health condition that limits his movement.
The father, known as Encik Haffiez, runs a home-based kek lapis business to support his family, especially his eldest child who has a chronic heart condition and recently underwent a sixth surgery.
His eldest child has been battling heart disease for years
According to Encik Haffiez, he has four children, and his eldest is a lifelong chronic heart patient.
He shared that he has been caring for his child for almost 16 years, a journey that has not been easy for him and his family.
I have four children. My eldest is the one with a chronic heart condition for life. I’ve been taking care of my child for almost 16 years,” he told EzLokal.
While some may assume the family’s struggle is over after the operation, Encik Haffiez explained that the reality is different.
He said the ongoing cost of care is what continues to burden the family.
“Some people would say things like, ‘Isn’t the operation already done?’ But like I’ve said before, it’s actually the cost of care that makes us struggle,” he shared.
Sells kek lapis from home in Setia Alam
To make ends meet, Encik Haffiez sells kek lapis from his home in Setia Alam.
He sells them both physically and online, continuing the business even though there are days when he does not manage to sell anything at all.
I sell kek lapis. There are days when I really can’t sell anything,” he said.
At first, he admitted that it was difficult for him to accept his situation.
Sometimes, he would question why he had to go through such a test.
In the beginning, I couldn’t accept it. Sometimes I would ask, why am I being tested like this?” he said.
He also struggles with his own health
Aside from caring for his child, Encik Haffiez also faces health challenges of his own.
He has brittle bone disease, a condition that affects his movement. He also shared that he suffers from a bone growth near his heel, which causes problems at the back of his foot.
Despite the pain and limitations, he said he continues to push himself for the sake of his children.
“No matter how hard things get for me, I will still try my best to provide for my child’s needs,” he said.
Accused of ‘selling sad stories’
Encik Haffiez also shared that he has faced hurtful remarks from others.
Some people allegedly accused him of “selling his child’s sad story” to market his business.
However, he stressed that this is not a marketing tactic, but his way of continuing life and fulfilling his responsibility through honest business.
He said he has had to put aside his shame and continue working, even when people make negative comments.
“So I put my shame aside. Sometimes there are people who make remarks, but no matter what, I will not give up,” he said.
‘I will not give up’
For Encik Haffiez, giving up is not an option.
With four young children depending on him, he believes he has to keep moving forward even though his physical condition is no longer the same as before.
“I will not give up. I will continue trying with whatever I have. I don’t want my children to suffer,” he said.
His story has since served as a reminder of the quiet sacrifices many parents make behind the scenes, especially those caring for children with long-term health conditions while battling their own struggles.
For more details about his business, you may reach out to him on TikTok @haffiez4184.
