A 16-year-old Malaysian boy whose psoriasis has worsened is struggling to return to school and fears falling behind his classmates ahead of next year’s SPM examinations.
Muhammad Raiyan Akram Mohd Khairulazwa told Harian Metro that his skin condition has affected his mobility and made him a target of ridicule.
“I don’t know when I’ll be able to return to school. Honestly, I’m feeling quite discouraged because my skin condition seems to be getting worse,” he said.
He added that he wished he could live like other teenagers and continue his education without worrying about missing out.
Expensive medication adds to family’s financial struggles
Raiyan, who lives in the FELDA Rentam settlement in Bera, Pahang, said he had tried earning money through social media affiliate marketing to help support his family. However, his account was suspended, possibly because he was underage. He said he felt sorry for his parents, who also have three other children aged five, 10 and 14 to support.
His father, a mechanic working in Genting Highlands, returns home only once a month, while his mother earns money by selling fried enoki mushrooms. Raiyan currently relies on an ointment to relieve his psoriasis symptoms, but one 30g tube costs RM86.90 and lasts only about two days because he needs to apply it over much of his body. He said he had been using the same ointment for more than a month and could not afford to buy a new one due to the family’s financial difficulties.
His condition spread across his body within months
Raiyan said his life changed after patches first appeared on his neck before spreading across his body within just three months. His condition worsened further in December last year, leaving his skin tight and making it difficult for him to move and walk normally.
Despite these challenges, he hopes to return to school and continue pursuing his education before sitting for the SPM examinations next year.
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