KOTA SAMARAHAN – A heartbreaking incident shocked villagers in Kampung Telok Sabang when a blind elderly woman was forced to crawl out of her home to seek help after living for several days with her daughter’s dead body.
The woman, Jariyah Suut, 69, was found extremely weak by passers-by at the roadside around 6.30am. She had crawled about 150 metres from her house, which is located deep inside a bushy area.
According to Kota Samarahan District Police Chief, Superintendent Damataries Lautin, the daughter, aged 48, had complained of chest pain and difficulty breathing on 30 November. Not long after, she stopped breathing. Her blind mother realised she had died but could not call for help because they lived in an isolated area and she had no one nearby.
For several days, the elderly mother stayed inside the house, hoping someone would come. But no one passed by.
On 4 December, the smell from her daughter’s decomposing body became too strong. The mother then used all her remaining strength to crawl out of the house. Without vision, she followed a narrow path by touching the ground and nearby objects as guidance.
She slowly crawled through the bush for about 150 metres until she finally reached the main road early the next morning. A passer-by saw her and immediately called the police.
Police and forensic teams later went to the house and confirmed that the daughter had been dead for more than five days. No signs of crime were found, and the body was taken to Sarawak General Hospital for a post-mortem.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by elderly and disabled individuals living alone in remote areas. It also reminds the community to be more aware and caring towards neighbours who may need help but are unable to ask for it.
