‘Pakcik air balang’ marks first Raya without his beloved wife

2026-03-20 - 05:20

Ah Yauddin Ahmad still longs for his late wife Roslina Yusuf, who passed away last October. KLANG: As Aidilfitri draws near, Ah Yauddin Ahmad finds himself returning to a memory from five years ago, of his wife Roslina Yusuf carefully choosing his clothes. These days, the absence feels constant. Each moment reminds him of the loss he is still struggling to accept. Returning home after work has become especially difficult. Each step up the stairs feels heavier; and, once inside, he is surrounded by memories of Roslina, who died last year. This Raya, there will be no preparations. “Nothing feels festive,” said the 63-year-old, pausing as he spoke. “When she was still around, even when she was bedridden, just seeing her gave me strength. Now that she’s gone ... it’s not the same.” Roslina, 57, died in October after five years of illness caused by stroke and diabetes, which led to the amputation of her left leg. She had been Ah Yauddin’s source of strength. Every week, he would carry her down four flights of stairs so she could accompany him to the drinks stall they once ran together. Since her passing, he admits he has struggled with anxiety. “Sometimes I feel afraid, like something is wrong,” he said. “My mind keeps thinking about her. Even being at home can feel overwhelming, like my heart is racing.” His story drew widespread attention after it went viral on TikTok, leading him to be popularly known as “pak cik balang”. Following coverage by FMT and other media, he received support from the public, influencers and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara). The story of Ah Yauddin, who would carry Roslina up and down four flights of stairs, went viral on TikTok last year. Ah Yauddin and Roslina were married for nearly 40 years and have one daughter, Siti Nur Aliah. During Ramadan, he continues to sell drinks with his daughter. This Aidilfitri, however, he has only one plan: to visit Roslina’s grave, located near their home at Pangsapuri Meru Ehsan. “My younger sister bought Raya clothes for my daughter,” he added. Following media coverage, Nur Aliah was offered a place by Mara in a confectionery and bakery course at GiatMara Klang. The 22-year-old had previously stopped studying to care for her mother. “I worked to look after my mum and help my father with the business,” she said. In addition to helping at the stall every Saturday, she also works with her aunt selling fried chicken, and earns about RM1,200 a month. Nur Aliah hopes to resume her studies at diploma level and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.