Grandma treks 4.5 hours back to Singapore to see sick husband

In the wake of Malaysia's partial lockdown that's left some families stuck on different sides of the Causeway, one elderly woman was so determined to see her sick husband that she made the trip on foot — knee pain and all.

The woman, 66, decided to return to Singapore on March 29 after learning of her husband's condition, her son Herman Sudil shared in a Facebook post.

While Malaysia's movement control order (MCO) prohibits citizens from leaving the country from March 18 to April 14, foreigners are allowed to leave.

His mother had arrived in Johor Bahru before the MCO to care for his three-month-old baby while he looked after his hospitalised wife, Herman explained.

When his mother received news that her 80-year-old husband was ill early last week, Herman immediately began searching for transport for her to return to Singapore.

But the lack of public transport meant that she eventually had to do it on foot.

He suggested that she remained in Malaysia until mid-April as his father's condition was not serious, but she insisted on walking across the Causeway, even with her leg and knee issues.

Stopping every few minutes to rest, she took about four-and-a-half hours to get to her home in Boon Lay from the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex (CIQ), according to Malaysian news channel Astro Awani.

She was accompanied by a family member who helped her with her bags and kept Herman updated on her situation.

She is currently serving out a 14-day stay-home notice, Herman added.

His post struck a chord with both Singaporeans and Malaysians, who left comments praising his mother.

In response, Herman told Astro Awani:

"This doesn't just apply to my mother but every woman who's willing to sacrifice for their family. Even when mothers are tired, they are willing to do anything for their family.

"My advice to sons, brothers and husbands is to cherish these angels we call women."

[embed]https://www.facebook.com/herman.sudil/posts/3229553767057273[/embed]

kimberlylim@asiaone.com