PENANG, Mon – For most couples, to be blessed with twins is a double boon.

But for lorry driver, Elankiran Kandasamy and wife, R. Sivanesvari, their joy at having twins has been marred by the fact that both girls, Sumita and Sunita, are "blue babies".

The twins have been diagnosed as suffering from congenital cyanotic heart ailment.

Elankiran who earns RM800 per month said his income was insufficient to make ends meet as he has three other children to support.

Both girls, who now weigh 5kg, are scheduled to undergo corrective heart surgery at the Penang Adventist Hospital at the end of the month when their weight is expected to reach 6kg.

The older twin, Sumita has had a Blalock Ttaussig Shunt operation last month, the first of a two stage operation costing RM 12,000 sponsored by the PAH Heart Patients’ Fund.

She now needs to undergo the second stage surgery comprising total correction of Tetralogy with repair of pulmonary valve, costing RM 24,000.

Sunita who suffers from a Tetralogy of Fallot condition, also needs open heart surgery costing RM 24,000.

The Malaysian Hindu Sangam (Penang) today appealed for public donations for the twins.

Its Social and Welfare committee chairman P.Murugiah said that Sangam had raised RM 6,000 for the twins’ post-hospitalisation and treatment.

Those who wish to help can send their cheques to the Treasurer, Malaysia Hindu Sangam, Penang State Council, 35, Cecil Street, 10300 Penang with "Sumita and Sunita Medical Fund" written on the reverse side.

For details on cheque and cash contributions, please contact P.Murugiah at 04-2622426 or 016-4449246.