YB Puan Vivian Wong Shir Yee visits Din during with MAF and SHAPE in Sandakan

Din (not his real name), 58, was diagnosed with HIV in 2012 and lives in the rural area of Sandakan, Sabah. A former security guard, he is now visually impaired due to an eye infection and is homeless.

A widower, Din sadly does not have any children or relatives who can care for him and cannot find a job due to his age and health condition. He is currently living in a mosque near his village and despite being almost blind, Din does not want to be dependent on others. He does his own chores such as washing clothes and preparing his meals. He also helps around at the mosque.

Din is unable to walk properly as his legs are getting weak and since he cannot afford to buy a cane, he has made one from a broomstick to go about his days.

“I wasn’t careful and I didn’t take very good care of myself. I hope people like me can have a second chance in life to do better,” shared Din.

Despite living in poverty, Din is grateful for the support that he gets from SHAPE as it provides financial aid for his travelling and accommodation expenses to get treatment at Klinik Kesihatan in Sandakan. He is also fortunate to meet other peers living with HIV who motivate and give him hope to continue living his life like other normal people.