KUALA LUMPUR — Four-year-old Hafiz expected another trip to hospital, but instead found himself behind the wheel of a child-sized police car and riding in a real police vehicle as his dream came true.
The young blood cancer patient was brought to the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters today for a special wish organised by Make-A-Wish Malaysia in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), giving him a break from his treatment routine.
Hafiz had been fascinated by police vehicles for some time, with his father, Hilmy Mohd Nor Hamid, saying his son would become excited whenever he spotted one on the road.
“He really likes police cars. Whenever he sees one on the road, he gets really excited.
“He likes the car, the uniform and the sound of the siren,” Hilmy told reporters when met at the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters today.
The special experience included a ride in a police vehicle, a salute and roll-call demonstration by officers, as well as a short patrol around the surrounding area.
Hafiz was also presented with a child-sized, rideable police car as part of the wish experience.
The event was attended by Make-A-Wish Malaysia royal patron Tengku Zatashah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Wish sponsor Datin Thevi Ramalingam, Make-A-Wish Malaysia chief executive officer Irene Tan, PDRM officers, volunteers and supporters.
Hilmy said Hafiz was diagnosed with blood cancer in March after complaining of pain around his ribs.
The family initially took him to hospital, where doctors suspected dengue before further examinations confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
“At first, they suspected dengue. They checked him twice, and then they found out it was cancer. After that, he started treatment,” he said.
Hilmy said Hafiz had shown signs of improvement after undergoing chemotherapy.
“He is starting to get better now. His chemotherapy seems to have finished, and he is continuing with his treatment,” he said.
Hafiz, a twin, is the youngest of Hilmy’s two children with his current wife. The family lives in Kuching, while Hafiz receives treatment at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz in Cheras.
For Hilmy, caring for his son throughout the treatment journey has required patience.
“If I were to explain, what I know is that we just have to be patient. That’s all.
“Everyone, when they are sick, we just have to be patient,” he said.
The 45-year-old father said the family was delighted to see Hafiz’s wish fulfilled.
“We are very happy. Thank God, we were able to celebrate him. When else would he get a wish like this? Maybe not everyone gets an opportunity like this,” he said.
Hilmy said the wish came about after Make-A-Wish Malaysia approached the family.
“Actually, I wasn’t the one who made it happen. It was Make-A-Wish Malaysia. They sent someone to our house and we filled in the form,” he said.
Make-A-Wish Malaysia said Hafiz’s wish was inspired by his fascination with police cars and was developed with PDRM to give him an opportunity to experience a police patrol, demonstrations and other activities.
The organisation has granted more than 1,300 wishes nationwide since 2010 to children with critical illnesses. — September 24, 2026