The job was tough, but it paid the bills. The symptoms were there, but he powered through.
By the time Mohd Azim saw a doctor, it was already stage 4 cancer, and his life would never be the same.
From hard work to heartbreak
For years, 39-year-old Mohd Azim Abdul Nazar worked offshore as a crane operator on oil rigs. It was a physically demanding job that allowed him to provide for his wife and three children, aged 6, 11, and 15.
It was a routine he was proud of, one that brought financial stability even if it meant sacrificing time with family. But everything changed when his body started sending signals he could no longer ignore.
I started noticing something was off, but I brushed it off because I was too busy with work,” he told Harian Metro.
When the pain became impossible to ignore
Things came to a head during a work trip to Japan, where Azim was hit with severe abdominal pain. Even medication couldn’t ease the discomfort.
Sensing something was seriously wrong, he underwent a CT scan. That was when the devastating diagnosis came; stage 4 colon cancer.
When I first found out, I was crushed. I kept thinking about my responsibilities as the head of the family. But after some reflection, I came to accept it.”
A new battle begins
Returning to Malaysia, Azim prepared for the fight of his life. On May 22, he underwent surgery to remove tumors from his rectum, liver, and other organs at a private hospital in Petaling Jaya.
He now wears a stoma bag and is currently undergoing eight rounds of chemotherapy.
The doctor said my condition is likely genetic, but it could happen to anyone.”
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Azim remains grounded in gratitude, especially for his wife, Nor Suriani Md Said, 41, and his family, who have become his greatest pillars of strength.
It’s not easy. But my wife, parents, and siblings have been incredibly supportive. My father even travels from KL just to visit me.”
A painful blessing in disguise
As painful as this journey has been, Azim admits it has unexpectedly brought him closer to the people who matter most.
Back then, I worked so much that I barely had time for my kids or wife. Now, I get to be with them every day.”
Cancer may have taken away his job. But it gave him something many busy parents long for; time.
Financial uncertainty looms
Still, time spent with family doesn’t ease the financial burden.
After quitting his job in April, Azim tried to make ends meet by helping fellow seafarers prepare resumes from home. But the work is inconsistent, and the medical bills, along with school expenses for his children, continue to pile up.
I want to work, but I can’t do heavy labor anymore. I worry about money every day. I’ve received help from Ikhtisas Kelautan Malaysia (IKMAL) and the maritime community, but I haven’t applied to Baitulmal or other agencies yet.”
Turning pain into purpose
In the face of it all, Azim has turned to TikTok, not for sympathy, but to share his story and raise awareness about colon cancer.
Through candid videos, he offers a glimpse into what life is like with a stoma bag, chemo sessions, and the emotional weight of being a father who can no longer provide like he used to.
His bravery has struck a chord with netizens, many of whom were moved by his honesty and strength.
How you can help
If you’d like to support Mohd Azim and his family during this difficult time, donations can be made to:
Hong Leong Bank
Account number: 04101012728
Account name: Mohd Azim Abdul Nazar
Even the smallest contribution can help lighten the load of a man who is fighting to stay strong, not just for himself, but for the family he loves more than anything.
