WeirdKaya is deeply saddened to share that Mr. Nathan, the OKU durian seller from USJ 9 whose story captured the hearts of Malaysians earlier this year, has passed away on Saturday (Nov 29) due to complications from his long-standing health conditions.
Just five days before his passing, we visited him for a second interview, one he bravely agreed to despite his rapidly deteriorating condition.
With his family’s consent, we are sharing this story to honour the man he was, and the strength he carried until the very end.
From police detective to full-time caregiver
Nathan first spoke to WeirdKaya months ago, recalling how he resigned from his role as a Crime Branch Detective in the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in 2014 to take care of his mother after she suffered a stroke.
He gave up a stable career, but not once did he regret it.
“A job is just money. My mother is everything,” he told us during our first interview.
Throughout 2024, Nathan battled one health crisis after another:
- A fall due to low blood pressure left him bedridden for weeks
- Two toes amputated from his left foot
- Surgery on his right foot
- Loss of vision in his left eye
- Stomach cancer
Yet he continued selling fruits sometimes up to midnight earning barely RM3 profit per kilo, all so he could support himself and his mother.
His resilience became the reason many Malaysians flocked to his USJ 9 stall.
What he said before passing away
During our second visit last Monday (Nov 24), Nathan was nearly unrecognisable from the man we first met at his durian stall. He spoke softly from his wheelchair, his body weak but his spirit still intact.
I need somebody to help me do anything. Have to carry me. I’m in a wheelchair now,” he told us.
His mother, despite her knee issues, was the one lifting him, feeding him, and helping him sit upright.
“Actually she is also suffering because of me,” he said with guilt in his voice. “She has a knee problem also.”
‘He has so much willpower’
We also spoke with his mother, who never once complained about caring for him.
“I have no issue taking care of him at all. It’s just sometimes my knee problem makes it a bit hard. But he’s my son. I will take care of him.”
Her voice softened as she recalled his determination.
“He has so much of willpower. He even told me that once he feels better, he wants to go and sell durian again.”
A mother’s love holding up a son who had spent 10 years holding her up; both of them struggling, yet refusing to give up on each other.
Before we left that day, his mother said something that now feels impossibly heavy.
Till I am there with him, I will take care of him. He doesn’t need to worry about that.”
No one knew that within five days, Nathan would no longer be by her side.
A fighter who asked for nothing but gave everything
Nathan never sought pity. He never asked for donations. He only asked Malaysians to support his small fruit stall.
Even in his final days, he remained hopeful that he’d recover enough to return to the roadside and sell durians again, the same job he built from RM200 and sheer will.
His passing marks the end of a long, painful, courageous battle.
But the way he lived, caring for his mother, pushing through unimaginable pain, fighting to survive will remain an example of pure perseverance.
WeirdKaya extends our heartfelt condolences to Nathan’s family, friends, and customers who supported him throughout his journey.
Thank you to everyone who reached out, visited his stall, bought fruits from him, and held space for his story.
May he rest in peace.
We have reached out to the family, who shared that they are currently able to support Nathan’s mother. They are not accepting any donations at this time, but extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of support on Facebook and Instagram.
