A teacher’s pain of not being with his wife in her most difficult times

A TEACHER is enduring sleepless nights as he is unable to be with his wife during her most trying times as his application for a transfer to the Peninsula has yet to be approved.

Sharing the heartbreaking story, Nur Atiqah My Yusoff, 30, said her husband, Mohammad Izzuddin Izhar, 34, is currently teaching Islamic Studies at SJK(C) Ming Wok in Kanowit, Sarawak.

According to Atiqah, she was diagnosed with cartilage cancer (Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma) in November last year.

"My cancer was confirmed to be aggressive and already in stage four.

"Based on this, the doctor suggested that my husband be with me as there was no guarantee over my condition," she told Getaran, The Vibes' Bahasa Malaysia sister portal.

She said the cancer cells were also confirmed to have spread to the lungs, and doctors felt it was best she be with her husband during these times.

Atiqah, who is also a housewife, said Izzuddin applied to be transferred to the Peninsula as soon as his wife's illness was confirmed but failed to receive any positive response.

"My husband had asked to be transferred back to the peninsula from the time I was diagnosed but until now there is no news.

"When my husband went to the Sarawak Education Department (JPN), the officer in charge said the transfer was not possible," she said.

Atiqah said her husband was informed by the officer on duty that he needed to hold a permanent employment status for 36 months before he could apply for any change.

"My husband has been serving in Sarawak for four years as a contract teacher, but he only got a permanent (status of employment) last year," she said.

What is more upsetting is that Izzuddin was also diagnosed with depression (MDD) by a psychiatrist.

"I know all this stems from the problems we are facing. My husband also has to bear the high cost of flying from Sibu to Kota Bharu, Kelantan every two or three weeks," she said.

"In my current situation, I badly need my husband to be with me.

"Though there may be certain requirements in place, please do not overlook our plea at a time like this," pleaded Atiqah. - October 21, 2024