Two young brothers in Kedah will finally begin formal education at a local school and hostel after being out of school, with authorities and NGOs stepping in to support the family
ALOR SETAR: Two brothers in Naka, aged eight and nine, will be placed at Sekolah Kebangsaan Panglima Awang near Kuala Nerang. The Kedah State Education Department confirmed the siblings will enter the school hostel from Sunday to facilitate their schooling.
Kedah Education director Abdul Rahim Mat said the case of Muhamad Rizhan Rizqi and Muhamad Raiwal Rayyan was known to authorities. An assistant officer and welfare officials visited the family home in 2023 to enrol the children.
Efforts at that time were unsuccessful as the family did not follow through with the advice given. The District Education Office revisited the family over the past two days to ensure the children could finally attend school.
The Kedah Zakat Board will provide targeted aid to ease the family’s burden. Chief distribution officer Mohamad Suraidi Saad said the immediate focus is on the children’s schooling.
Subsequent support will focus on the family’s economic skills. “The mother has run a business before, so we may provide support to help her trade and earn an income,” he said.
He added that LZNK runs a development programme for asnaf that supports economic empowerment through skills training and business mentoring. Anak Muda MADANI Kedah is also assisting with the school enrolment process.
Chairman Datuk Zuraidi Rahim said they are coordinating with the Padang Terap District Education Office and the state Education Department. The group is also providing school supplies and essentials to help the siblings enjoy a normal childhood.
“The brothers are eager to attend school, and I’m confident they have a bright future if given proper formal education,” Zuraidi said during a visit to their home. They will also address the family’s cut-off water and electricity supply to improve living conditions.
The children’s mother, 39-year-old Siti Nur Jamilah Jamaludin, said she was moved and grateful for the support. She also has a five-year-old daughter.
“I promise to support my two children so they can attend school and receive a proper education,” she said. Media reports cited financial difficulties and the father’s absence as reasons the brothers were previously unable to attend school.
