M’sian Chinese Man Adopted 3 Malay Boys 16 Years Ago & Raised Them Like His Own

Here’s a wholesome story that will warm your hearts.

It’s not often that you hear of someone adopting not one, but three kids of a different race and religion from themselves. But that’s exactly what Michael Tong, a Malaysian Chinese, did in his late 30s.

Recounting his story in an interview with Malaysian press Harian Metro, Michael, now 55, revealed that he first met his oldest adopted son Rafei Ahmad Fauzi 16 years ago.

Michael was at a charity event at an orphanage in Gombak, Selangor, where the then 12-year-old Rafei was staying, and he learned that the boy’s parents had died one month apart from each other.

The orphanage told Michael that Rafei did not want to attend school and he later found out from Rafei’s teachers that the boy was facing learning difficulties.

Determined to provide Rafei with a better life, Michael sent him to school daily and arranged for his staff to take Rafei to tuition classes after school. Michael would then pick Rafei up and send him back to the orphanage.

This arrangement continued for a while, but later, Michael suggested that it would be easier if Rafei lived with him.

After moving in, Michael came across a handwritten note by Rafei.

“I still remember the note he wrote, asking why their parents had to die early and why he was separated from his brothers. It brought tears to my eyes,” recalled Michael.

Rafei’s brothers, Rasyid and Abdul Rahman, were in a different orphanage in Klang, Selangor, and he missed them dearly.

Michael decided to take Rafei to meet his brothers and soon after, he brought the two boys home to live with him and Rafei.

“Since then, I have been both ‘father’ and ‘mother’ to them. Till now, we are still together,” Michael said.

Initially fearful about caring for three kids, Michael subsequently overcame problems with the help and encouragement from friends.

He is unmarried, but said his family was supportive of his choice and that his 86-year-old mother treats the boys like her grandchildren.

“We are of different religions, but I want them to continue their religious education. As such, I hired an ustaz (a religious teacher in Islam) to teach them Quranic studies at home every night,” said Michael.

He also prepares meals for the boys during Ramadan, and adheres to the Islamic dietary rules at home.

“Each one of the boys had their mischief, but they are good children. They don’t call me ‘dad’ because I want them to continue calling me Uncle Mike. To me, the name isn’t important. All that matters is that I sincerely care for them as my own,” he added.

Rafei, who is now 29, has two children of his own. Rasyid is 28, and Abdul Rahman, 24.

Michael is extremely content with how his life has turned out, saying that he “never felt lonely after adopting the three boys”, especially now, with the addition of two grandkids.

Michael’s story has since gone viral, with many praising him for his selfless actions.

He hopes to pass on the message that helping others should transcend race or religion.