>JOHOR BARU: When Hisham (not his real name) was a boy, he used to feed poultry and collect eggs from the chicken coop behind his home. He would hold his breath and hated having to go in daily, but the order from his mother had to be obeyed.
Now 25, Hisham recalls the time the chicken coop was his home, also on the orders of his mother.
Four years ago, Hisham found that he had been infected with the HIV virus and told his mother about it.
He remembers the day well. His single mother appeared shocked but kept quiet. She went to clean up the coop and dumped his pillow, mattress and blanket in it.
When he asked her about it, all he received was a cold response: "Get in!"
His mother had decided to quarantine him in the chicken coup.
At meal times, his mother would throw in food. At other times, the chicken coop remained locked. "I felt hopeless. I thought my family was my last refuge. I was wrong," said the former drug addict.
Hisham, the eldest of four children, said his condition worsened as he fell into a depression and did not get medical care.
His quarantine ended several months later when someone informed the Johor AIDS Action and Research Society (JAARS).
Both Hisham and his mother were counselled, and the young man was set free from his chicken coop prison.
He received medical treatment and his mother accepted him back into the family.
Today, Hisham is healthier and happier. With the help of JAARS, he secured a job as a blue-collar worker here.
"I do not hate my mum. She is just a housewife who only completed primary education and did what she did out of fear and ignorance.
"I only blame myself for my mistake. I hope to earn money to relieve her burden."
