The mother of a young girl seen in a viral video begging in a Spiderman costume has denied that her child is involved in begging. Nor Hafika Mohd Shamsul, 30, said she only became aware of the incident after being contacted by the Melaka Social Welfare Department (JKM).
Nor Hafika explained that her seven-year-old daughter had occasionally accompanied her long-time foster father, known as “Uncle Awe,” while wearing the costume. She claimed she was unaware that her daughter was taken out as a mascot.
“I thought she was just sitting behind my foster father. I didn’t know she was there as a mascot,” she said at her home. “When she returned, she said she enjoyed it because many children liked to watch, that’s all.”
The mother, who works as a caregiver, said her daughter is fond of the Spiderman character. The costume was reportedly obtained from a second-hand clothing collection centre in Tangga Batu last December.
Nor Hafika added that the family is facing financial difficulties after her husband, Mohd Nazry Mohd Ali, 40, became unable to work following hernia surgery. The household now relies entirely on monthly assistance from JKM.
Following the viral video, Melaka Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman Datuk Kalsom Noordin visited the family. She said JKM will review whether additional support is needed.
Currently, the family receives RM250 per month in general aid.
