Six-year-old FARIS was born with a heart condition and has relied on a pacemaker to survive. Due to the high energy consumption and limited lifespan of the device’s battery, it must be replaced urgently to keep him alive. The surgery costs RM60,000.
His father, SAHAT, shared that when FARIS was only 10 days old, he was initially taken to the clinic for jaundice checks. The doctor on duty advised them to go to the hospital for further examination, where it was discovered that his heart had a hole.
“He was admitted for more than a month, staying in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Later, the doctor recommended a PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus) surgery. After the procedure, they gave him five months to allow the hole in his heart to close naturally.”
“However, after a second surgery, FARIS developed complete heart block. The doctor advised installing a pacemaker so that he could live like a normal child.”
In 2020, FARIS received his pacemaker, which allowed him to lead a relatively normal life, just like other children. To ensure it works properly, he must undergo annual check-ups to monitor the battery’s condition.
“I have five children, and FARIS is the third. The others are healthy, but he is the only one with a heart problem. When I found out the pacemaker battery needed replacement, I was deeply worried. Only after the surgery is completed will I feel at ease,” SAHAT said emotionally.
CCEP Foundation CEO, Yvonne Yee, explained that a pacemaker is a lifelong medical device, but its battery lasts about 10 years depending on usage. Children’s batteries run out faster due to their higher activity levels.
“A pacemaker sends electrical impulses to the heart to ensure it beats at a normal rate, especially when the heart is too slow or irregular. In FARIS’s case, the battery is already fully depleted, and doctors have warned that the pacemaker could stop at any time. Without it, his life will be in danger. That’s why we must urgently raise RM60,000 for a replacement,” she said.
Medical reports show that FARIS has Coarctation of the Aorta (Co-Ao) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). On 22 February 2020, he underwent surgery to repair the Co-Ao and pulmonary artery banding. On 2 July 2020, he had VSD repair and removal of the pulmonary artery banding. After that, he developed complete heart block and had a pacemaker implanted on 10 July 2020.
“In his six years of life, FARIS has already gone through four major surgeries. His small body carries visible scars from all those procedures,” YU said.
Due to the urgency of his case, the hospital agreed to proceed with the surgery first upon receiving CCEP’s guarantee letter. Thankfully, the surgery was successfully completed, and FARIS was discharged on 8 August 2025.
CCEP and the hospital have agreed that once the fundraising is complete, payment will be made immediately.
Donations can be made to:
- Bank: RHB Bank Malaysia
- Name of Payee: CCEP FOUNDATION
- Account No: 26219300009342
Note:
Donation receipts: WA Link
Enquiries: 03-7955 9999 / 010-279 8849
Please indicate the patient’s name: FARIS
For tax-exempt receipts, please fill in your details here: Google Form
Receipts will be issued within 14 days.
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