Mistaken for mother and son, couple prove love knows no age

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUANTAN: To some outsiders, they looked like mother and son.
However, to 29-year-old Mohamad Nazir Annuar, Salmah Jaya is not only his wife but also his source of strength, joy and emotional companionship.
The 61-year-old mother of seven captured his heart years ago and despite a 32-year age gap, they tied the knot in April 2022 with blessings from both sides of the family.
Their relationship, which began through Facebook in 2018, attracted attention after Mohamad Nazir shared a video of their affectionate moments.
Many mistook Salmah for his mother or aunt, with some even questioning the authenticity of their relationship.
"That is something we have become used to whenever we go out together," he said, acknowledging the curious stares and reactions from strangers.
"But I am never ashamed. She is my wife and I love her deeply."
Nazir, who works as a catering crew member on an oil rig, said his attraction had always leaned towards older women.
Still, it was not easy winning Salmah over. She ignored his friend request for a long time and even blocked him after he managed to get her number.
It took years and persistent effort before she finally agreed to meet him in 2021.
Their bond grew stronger over time as they discovered shared interests, including a fondness for the colour red and the mystical.
The decision to marry came a year later.
While Nazir's family had no objections, the initial resistance came from Salmah's children, who were uncomfortable with the significant age gap.
"Eventually, they relented because they did not want to see their mother unhappy," he said.
For Salmah, marriage was not something she had considered after her husband passed away from a heart attack in 2016.
She was content living alone and even rejected advances from other men over the years, many of them in their 30s and 40s.
But Nazir's determination softened her stance.
"What touched me most was when he braved the floods on a motorcycle just to see me," Salmah said.
While they acknowledge their relationship is unconventional, both say their bond is built on mutual respect and sincerity.
"I once asked him if he ever felt embarrassed walking beside me, and he said there was nothing to be ashamed of," Salmah said.
Though they faced comments and criticism, particularly online, Nazir remains grounded.
"This is Allah's will. I know who I married and have never regretted it."
The couple also faced heartbreak when Salmah had a miscarriage during their first year of marriage but say they now focus on finding peace and happiness in each other's presence.
"I just want to be the best husband I can be," Nazir said. "And I pray that our marriage continues to be blessed."