Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a time of joy and celebration, with smiles as widespread as the scrumptious food that can be seen in many open houses across the country.

However, this year's festivity was not what Mohd Azri Irfan Zahari and his siblings had hoped for.

Their mother, Akma Ismail, 41, succumbed to cancer on the seventh day of Syawal.

Just a week before the Aidilfitri celebration, Akma was diagnosed with stage four cancer.

The future of Azri Irfan and his siblings are bleak after the untimely demise of the family matriarch, who had single-handedly supported the family.

The tale of Akma Ismail is a sad one. After being diagnosed of cancer, she underwent treatment at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital in Kubang Kerian before she passed away at 7.15pm on June 30.

Understandably, the plight of the family has attracted the attention of good Samaritans from across the country.

The children are left alone. Their father had abandoned the family long ago.

When asked about the ongoing Raya celebrations by a representative of Astro AWANI, Mohd Azri replied “the loneliness is intense and of course, Raya is not as festive as before.”

According to the eldest, Mohd Azri Irfan Zahari, 14, his siblings are open to adoption ... with one condition: they remain together.

Pensive looking Mohd Azri Imran, 13, Azrin Elia Balkis, 11, Mohd Aziq Israf, 6, and Azlini Elisya Qistina, 3, nodded in agreement of their brother.

As their plight made headlines, visitors have showed up in droves at their front door. Some extended their benevolence with food and essential items. Some even said that they are willing to take them in as foster children.

The chairman of Pertubuhan Kelab-kelab Belia Malaysia (MAYC) Kelantan, Meor Shamshir Meor Zulkefli Auni when met by Astro AWANI recently said that his team are ready to take the five of them in as foster children.

“The welfare of these children will be taken care of and this include for their academics,” he added, his voice peppered with positive inflection.

“We have brought this story to the national level. Some have agreed to adopt the siblings to give them a better future,” Meor Shamshir added.

He also pointed out that education is vital for them as it is an important tool for a secure future, an opportunity to change their fortunes.

To kick start, Pertubuhan Asnaf Kelantan said the siblings will be registered under the Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (SSPN).

An account for members of the public to channel their donation will be established soon.