What challenges did Irdina face due to her non-citizen status?

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Irdina Faced Significant Obstacles Due to Her Non-Citizen Status

Irdina Saffiyah Abdul Fattah, a young girl with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect, encountered substantial difficulties stemming from her non-citizen status. These challenges primarily impacted her access to essential services, including education and healthcare, which were significantly more expensive and restricted compared to those available to Malaysian citizens. Her situation highlights the complex issues faced by undocumented children within the Malaysian system.
Higher Healthcare Costs Without Subsidies

As a non-citizen, Irdina's medical treatments incurred substantially higher costs. Unlike citizen children who benefit from government subsidies for healthcare, Irdina's required treatments were subject to full charges. This financial burden placed a considerable strain on the care centre responsible for her well-being, especially given the ongoing nature of her medical needs related to her congenital heart defect.
Denial of Educational Opportunities

Irdina was effectively denied access to educational opportunities due to her lack of citizenship and the associated documentation. Despite her diagnosis of Down syndrome, she was unable to enroll in special education schools or participate in the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programme. This exclusion was contingent on her not possessing a Person With Disabilities (PwD) card, which in turn required her to have a clear citizen status.
Circumstances of Abandonment and Lack of Documentation

The root of Irdina's non-citizen status lay in her abandonment at birth. Discovered in a baby hatch at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, she was placed in the care of Rumah Kasih Harmoni Paya Jaras (RKHPJ) without any accompanying documents. This absence of identification led to her being issued a non-citizen birth certificate at two years old, initiating the cascade of challenges she would face for the next eight years.

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What challenges did Irdina face due to her non-citizen status?

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