PEKAN: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today visited two former army personnel here in conjunction with the recent Warrior’s Day celebration.
The King, who drove his car himself, first went to see Nazeri Mohamed Zin, 64, in Kampung Pasir Panjang here, who has been suffering from a stroke since July 13, 2012.
Nazeri’s wife Noorhan Abd Rahim, 59, in expressing gratitude to the King, said her husband was lucky to receive a visit from Al-Sultan Abdullah, even though he had left the force more than three decades ago.
“My husband was just a private (while in service) and had retired long time ago. To have someone still think about us and to receive a visit from the King is just beyond our expectations, and I never dreamt of being able to meet His Majesty personally.
“His Majesty was very caring, and had inquired about how we got by with our monthly expenses, besides checking with an officer who was present on the assistance provided,” she told Bernama when met today.
During his visit, Al-Sultan Abdullah also presented contributions to Nazeri who had served in the army for 14 years from May 27, 1975, including in Pahang and Kelantan.
The King also visited a former servicewoman in the 505th Territorial Army Regiment, Hasimah Sulaiman, 62, in Kampung Kelat Rendang here, who is a single mother taking care of her son suffering from kidney disease.
Hasimah, who had served for 12 years since 1977, said her son Mohd Akhmar Hakim, 29, has had to undergo dialysis treatment at the Pekan Hospital thrice a week after both of his kidneys were found to be damaged at the age of 17.
The mother of two said they were currently depending on the monthly allowance and other assistance to survive.
“The King had asked me about my son’s health. Two days ago, a representative from the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP) informed me that His Majesty will be visiting. I was afraid at first, because I was not someone of high rank in the army, I only did administrative work and assisted with roadblocks,” Hasimah said.
On his way back to Istana Abdulaziz in Kuantan, Al-Sultan Abdullah dropped by the Kak Nah Restaurant near the entrance to the Abu Bakar Palace here, to have lunch.
Restaurant owner Rosnah Mohd Amin, 68, said she was grateful to be able to serve His Majesty, who also paid for the other patrons present there at the time.
“I am very happy because I got to serve ‘ikan jelawat’ (sultan fish) to the King. We had only one today which we cooked in ‘tempoyak’ gravy,” she added. — Bernama
