KOTA KINABALU: Seven-year-old Muhammad Aqil Safwan who suffers from end-stage Acute Myeloid Leukemia, got his wish to fly in a plane and visit Kota Kinabalu with his family this weekend.
The young Selangor boy’s wish was granted by The Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia (CWS).
Muhammad Aqil received red carpet hospitality at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport just before he boarded his flight on Malaysia Airlines. The whole family was accorded the warm hospitality of Malaysia Airlines at the Golden Holidays Lounge. Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, the crew of MH2604 led by Captain Mohd Tasriri Mohd Talhah invited Muhammad Aqil to the cockpit and took a group photograph together.
Just outside the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Muhammad Aqil and his family were given a traditional Sabah welcome by CWS’ corporate partner Big Wheel Green Tyres Sdn Bhd before being whisked off to Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu who hosted his stay.
Muhammad Aqil’s stay however was cut short as he came down with fever and was unwell to enjoy the boat ride to the islands which had been arranged by Sea Quest Tours & Travel. He was also unable to visit tLok Kawi Zoo hosted by Sabah Wildlife Department because of his condition. Even a special lunch arranged by KFC Sabah had to be called off because Muhammad Aqil’s parents decided to return to Kuala Lumpur the very next day under doctor’s advice.
CWS Malaysia vice president Teoh Teik Hoong who accompanied the trip, said the society responded immediately when Muhammad Aqil’s wish was received on September 1.
“We decided to give him the ride of his life on the plane and a memorable trip to Kota Kinabalu for him and his whole family.
“It is unfortunate that Muhammad Aqil could not enjoy the whole programme we had lined up for him. He did nod to me when I asked him on the plane if he had enjoyed the flight,” Teoh said.
“We would like to thank Malaysia Airlines and our Sabah-based partners Sabah Wildlife Department, KFC Sabah, Sea Quest Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd, Promenade Hotels & Resorts and Big Wheel Green Tyres Sdn Bhd for responding to our request to help fulfill Muhammad Aqil’s wish,” he added.
The Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia is a national organisation which works towards fulfilling the wishes of children stricken with terminal or life-limiting illnesses. Established since 2008, the society has fulfilled more than 450 wishes across the country. CWS Malaysia has invested more than RM2 million in public funds towards this cause and fulfilled close to 100 wishes in Sabah since 2007.
Recently, a newly-wedded couple joined members of The Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia to bring back smiles to the children who are suffering from various chronic and life-threatening illnesses
Adam Roy Anthony Boyou and Stephy Choong Sheau Yee marked the beginning of their lives together by fulfilling the wishes of five ailing Sabah children at Likas Hospital right after tying the knot at Basel Church in Kota Kinabalu.
Adam, who hails from Penampang and Stephy from Semenyih, Negeri Sembilan, mingled with the children and subsequently handed the five children their gifts.
Syahrizul bin Hatta, 13, who suffers from Complex Cyanotic Heart Post Fontan, received an iPad from the couple. He is from Tawau.
Kota Kinabalu siblings Julidi Rang, nine, and Rozianah Rang, 15, who suffer from Thalassemia were just as excited. Julidi received a Samsung Grand 2 smartphone while her elder sister Rozianah received an iPad from Stephy and Adam.
Dayang Suhana, eight, who suffers from Complex Cyanotic Heart Disease, has wished for a trip to Kuala Lumpur which is being arranged by the society. She is from Sandakan.
Teoh who was present with other CWS board members, said the society had planned this special occasion with the couple months ahead.
“We are truly touched by the couple’s willingness to join us in fulfilling the wishes of the five children on this important date of their lives together. It is truly heart-warming to mark their marriage with this good deed of bringing smiles back to ailing children in Sabah.
“It’s a special date for Adam and Stephy. Together with CWS, the couple have made it special for the five children today,” he said.
Teoh said the couple’s act of kindness on their special day showed that people could touch the lives of others in need when they were celebrating a marriage, an anniversary or a birthday.
“We believe today’s participation by Adam and Stephy could be one of the first in the country for newly weds to fulfill wishes of terminally ill children.
“We would also like to thank our Sabah-based corporate partners Promenade Hotels and Resorts and Big Wheel Green Tyres Sdn Bhd for lending us a helping hand in fulfilling the five wishes today,” he said.