Malaysia, which until mid-April had the highest number of coronavirus cases in South-East Asia, has reported more than 6 600 infections, including over 100 deaths. The country-imposed movement curbs to stem the virus outbreak on March 18, though some restrictions were eased earlier this month.
Nur Afia, who learned to sew at the age of five is making a difference in her community after hearing that a local hospital was looking for people to sew protective gear. “I felt bad, so I told my mom I wanted to help,” she said. As Nur Afia’s skills improved, she began earning her own money stitching pillowcases and patching up torn clothes for the family’s neighbours and relatives.
The talented little girl is making up to four full personal protective equipment (PPE) gowns a day, while schools are closed amid a country-wide lockdown. She is currently juggling her role of volunteering to sew PPE gowns and attending online classes. Since early March, the 9-year-old has made 130 gowns for two nearby hospitals.
This month has been more challenging as Nur Afia, whose family is Muslim, observes the Ramadaan fasting month. Still, fasting has not stopped her and she often starts sewing after the suhoor pre-dawn meal. Nur Afia picked up an interest in sewing after watching her mother Hasnah Hud making clothes in her home business.Hasnah Hud said her daughter became more motivated after seeing photos of medical workers wearing the gowns she had made.
