A divorced father in Malaysia has made the heart-wrenching decision to send his three children to an orphanage, citing financial difficulties as the reason.
According to Sin Chew Daily, Huang Guowei, a lorry driver in Kuala Lumpur earning RM2,600 (S$798) per month, handed over his children—aged five, seven, and nine—to Jaz Home, a no-fee orphanage in Perak, on October 13, 2025.
During the emotional farewell, staff from the orphanage visited Huang’s home to pick up the children. Huang, visibly choked up, offered words of advice to his children, while his young son clung to his father, crying and refusing to let go. Huang encouraged him to study hard and pursue his dream of becoming a police officer.
Huang’s decision was driven by financial constraints. He lived a frugal lifestyle, subsisting on coffee for breakfast, bread for lunch, and rice for dinner. Previously, he paid RM300 (S$92) per month to a children’s home in Kuala Lumpur, but even this reduced fee proved unaffordable. The transfer to Jaz Home ensures his children receive care without financial burden.
Huang, who was granted custody of the children after his divorce from his Vietnamese ex-wife in May 2024, explained that prior to the verdict, his ex-wife requested custody of their son and left him with their two daughters. He also alleged harassment from her relatives, prompting him initially to place the children in a non-profit home in Kuala Lumpur before transferring them to Jaz Home.
The children, who previously attended church classes rather than regular school, will now have access to formal education. The orphanage plans to apply through the Social Welfare Bureau for them to attend local kindergarten and primary school. Additionally, psychological counselling will be provided to help the children adjust.
Huang stated he will continue working in Kuala Lumpur and visit his children regularly, hoping they will have a brighter future with better opportunities.
