JOHOR BARU: A couple’s despe­rate cry for help for their critically ill baby has been answered thanks to generous donors.

The parents of the seven-month-old baby girl needed financial help to cover her operation in China.

Young Nur Sumayyah Mohd Hafiz was diagnosed with liver failure last month and must undergo a transplant to have a chance of survival.

The grief of her mother Juliza Mohd Khelid was compounded when she found out that liver transplants on babies are not conducted in Malaysia and the family was referred to Renji Hospital in Shang­hai, China, which would require a substantial sum of money.

With that, the amount raised so far is at RM80,000. But it is still short of the expected cost of RM250,000 for the surgery in China.

“I handed a letter of appeal to Ayer Hitam MCA division chief Ling Tian Soon on Wednesday and he rang me up the very same day to inform me that the party will offer some assistance,” Juliza said.

She said her family was even more touched when Dr Wee, who is also Ayer Hitam MP, personally handed over the aid during a visit to their home here on Friday.

The 33-year-old added that doctors who initially diagnosed her baby girl said there was no hope but the parents persevered and kept positive.

“Thankfully, specialists at Univer­sity Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) suggested a transplant to save Sumayyah and referred us to the hospital in China.

“When we were told of the cost, we were worried but this kind contribution today has definitely lifted our spirits,” she said.

The family hopes to raise the re­­maining RM170,000 to proceed with the medical procedure in March as little Sumayyah’s life is at stake.

Sumayyah’s father Mohd Hafiz Hashim, 33, an army officer, will be donating 20% of his liver in the procedure.

Dr Wee said that RM20,000 was approved for Sumayyah’s medical expenses through the 1MCA Medical Foundation.

“We are looking into more ways to help alleviate the family’s financial burden and ensure that Sumay­yah receives the treatment she needs,” he added.