Star Media Berhad : Six-year-old from Johor, on road to recovery following successful fundraising

Khairul also expressed gratitude to the National Heart Institute (IJN) for its good work in Hafiz's case.

"Hafiz was asymptomatic, it was just that he would sometimes get tired easily as he was quite active like any other child, " said the 36-year- old.

Khairul said following the surgery, Hafiz was required to avoid outdoor activities in order for his heart to recover fully.

Aside from follow-up consultations with the specialist over the next few months, Hafiz is also required to do light exercises daily.

"The doctor advised him to walk at least 100m every day to get his heart and lungs well adapted to the new changes.

"He is doing well now and very eager to join his preschool friends via online classes, " said Khairul, who had travelled with his son from Masai, Johor for the surgery at IJN.

Hafiz and Khairul were required to undergo Covid-19 swab tests before the child was admitted to the ward.

Consultant paediatric surgeon Dr Hew Chee Chin said in Hafiz's case, the VSD was small and did not affect his growth and development.

"However, during a regular follow-up, the doctor (in Johor) noted a prolapse of his aortic valve. So we recommended immediate closure of Hafiz's VSD to avoid further deterioration in the aortic valve.

"The two-and-a-half-hour surgery was successful. We managed to extubate (remove the breathing tube) Hafiz on the same day of surgery, so he could breathe well on his own, " she added.

Hafiz was discharged from IJN after spending a day in intensive care and a few days at the ward.

"His ward recovery showed no complications.

"I wish to thank Star Foundation for launching the Medical Fund, a highly commendable initiative.

"It gives the Malaysian public an opportunity to contribute to this humanitarian work, irrespective of race, religion or socioeconomic status, " Dr Hew added.

With public donations through Star Foundation, a total of RM36,000 was successfully raised to cover the cost of the surgery and convalescence.

Established in 2004, Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group aimed at delivering meaningful initiatives with lasting outcomes to a diverse group of beneficiaries.

The Medical Fund Programme was initiated in 2015 to sponsor one-off medical treatment and care for underprivileged individuals with chronic illnesses.