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After spending more than four months living out of his car, a young Malaysian has finally found a safe place to stay, thanks to the kindness of strangers
About two weeks ago, Harian Metro reported the story of 25-year-old Fadhullah Fiziria Shah Shahnun Azli, better known as Fizi, who had been living in his Proton Wira since March after falling on hard times.
The engineering foundation graduate said he left Perak for Kuala Lumpur in hopes of rebuilding his life after his perfume business took a downturn.
"As a result, I struggled to pay my utility bills, house rent, and existing debts, so I had no choice but to leave my rented home," he said.
Since then, his car had become his bedroom and shelter
To get by, Fizi said he showered at mosques or petrol stations before spending his days at mamak restaurants or shopping mall food courts, where he earns an income through affiliate marketing while trying to get back on his feet.
He said he was unsure how much longer he would continue living in his car, estimating that it would take about a year to save enough capital to restart his business.
"Sometimes I ask myself how I ended up here, but I see it as part of life's journey and the ups and downs of running a business.
"Right now, I'm at my lowest point, but one day I'll get back on my feet. Even if I have no money, I'd rather face it on my own," he said, adding that he did not want to burden anyone.
However, after reading about his situation, a married couple reached out with an unexpected offer
In a follow-up report, Harian Metro revealed that 33-year-old Imran Khan Sulaiman and his wife, Isdatul Asyirin Ismail, have invited Fizi to stay at their apartment in Bangi rent-free, with no conditions or deadline for him to move out.
Imran said he was deeply touched after reading Fizi's story and felt compelled to help, despite never having met him before.
"Our main intention is to help Fizi get back on his feet because it seems like he needs a turning point in his life.
"I believe this is the best solution because if he continues living in his car, I'm worried it could lead to back problems and affect his mental health," said Imran, who is also an entrepreneur.
Imran explained that he and his wife bought the apartment in 2022 but left it vacant after receiving the keys in October last year, as they already had another home
After discussing it, the couple decided there was no reason to leave the apartment unused when it could help someone in need.
"I spoke to my wife last night, and thankfully she agreed after I explained the situation. Fizi also accepted our offer after we contacted him," he said.
Before Fizi moved in, the couple even bought him a mattress and other basic necessities to help him settle in comfortably
"I understand Fizi is actively earning an income through affiliate marketing, so I hope he'll be able to work more comfortably from now on. I hope he finds his footing, secures a stable income, and discovers opportunities that will change his life," Imran added.
Meanwhile, Isdatul said she was grateful that they were in a position to help.
"I hope Fizi can prepare himself, rise again, and never give up because he's still young and has so much ahead of him. I pray that he achieves everything he dreams of in life," she said.
