A 4-year-old boy battling leukaemia got to live out his dream of riding in a police patrol car after Petaling Jaya police teamed up with Make-A-Wish Malaysia to give him a day he will remember.
Hafiz Hilmy Mohd Nor, who has been fascinated by police cars, uniforms and sirens for years, was given the chance to visit the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters and experience life as a little police officer.
His special day included watching officers perform a salute and marching demonstration before he joined them for a short patrol ride in a police car.
And the surprise did not end there, Hafiz was also given his very own child-sized, driveable police car. His father, Hilmy Mohd Nor, 45, said Hafiz would always get excited whenever he spotted police vehicles on the road, especially traffic police.
“He really loves police cars and the police. Whenever he sees them on the road, he gets excited, especially by the police cars, uniforms and sirens,” he said.
A little dream during a tough journey
Hafiz was diagnosed with leukaemia in March after initially being suspected of having dengue. He subsequently underwent treatment and chemotherapy at Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Hospital (HCTM), with his condition now improving after completing chemotherapy.
His father said Hafiz still requires follow-up treatment, but the family has remained by his side throughout the journey. He added that patience has been important as the family navigates the challenges of caring for a young child undergoing cancer treatment. Hafiz had previously told his father about his dream of riding in a police car, before Make-A-Wish Malaysia stepped in to help make it happen.
The programme was held in collaboration with Petaling Jaya police, with Make-A-Wish Malaysia royal patron Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah also present.
Make-A-Wish Malaysia chief executive officer Irene Tan said fulfilling wishes like Hafiz’s gives children living with critical illnesses a chance to put aside the difficulties of treatment and enjoy moments of happiness. She said Hafiz’s love for police cars brought together police officers, his family, volunteers and supporters to create the special experience.
“Our hope is that this experience will help Hafiz and his family build resilience as he continues his medical treatment,” she said.
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