Families of heroes receive RM100,000

Published on: Friday, March 15, 2013

Kota Kinabalu: The State Government on Thursday presented RM100,000 to the family members of slain Sgt-Maj. Baharin Hamit at their home in Taman Inanam Laut here.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman presented the RM80,000 cheque and RM20,000 cash to Baharin's widow, Sumiati Suarah, 50, and their two children, Muhd Izzat Syafiq Baharin, 16, and Nur Izzaty Syafiqah Baharin, 11.

"Actions speak louder than words," said Musa, when approached by the media for comments after he presented the aid to the bereaved family.

Musa recently announced a donation of RM100,000 to each of the families affected as part of showing appreciation and acknowledging their sacrifices for the country.

"Their sacrifices for the country is very meaningful and it cannot be repaid with any amount of money," he said.

Also present were State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, Resource Development and Information Technology Assistant Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad, Universiti Institut Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah Rector Datuk Dr. Abdul Kadir Rosline, State Police Contingent Administration Department Head SAC Noor Azam Jamaludin and City Police Chief ACP Jauteh Dikun among others.

Meanwhile, Abdul Kadir said UiTM would provide tuition classes to all the children of the fallen heroes to ensure they do well in their studies.

"We give space and opportunity to these children by providing tuition classes which will be monitored by UiTM and we hope this would also be a platform for them to further their studies with UiTM," he said.

Sumiati expressed deepest gratitude to the State Government and Chief Minister for the donation. Her two children were also calm, particularly Nur Izzaty who had fainted and constantly broke down when met during the first few days of her father's death.

Sumiati also thanked UiTM for their offer to assist her children in their studies through tuition classes.

Meanwhile, Jainab who also donated an undisclosed amount to the family said she would discuss with the Kg Darau Menggatal village head on how they could assist Sumiati and her children, who have expressed their wish to move closer to their family in Kg Darau in Menggatal.

Meanwhile, the widows of two policemen similarly killed while pursuing the Filipino terrorists, received RM100,000 each from the State Government at their respective homes in Bandar Sri Indah in Tawau and Taman Pelangi in Semporna.

The widow of Cpl Salam Togiran, age 42, Marlinah Utan,38, and four of her children aged between one and 16, as well as widow of Sergeant Abd Azis Sarikon,52, Sitti Banddorah Mahalil, 39, together with her children aged between 18 and seven.

The donation was presented by State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman who was accompanied by senior civil officers and senior police officers.

The donation was presented by the State Government to lessen the burden of families whose loved ones were killed while protecting the country.

Sukarti who met with the widows gave them words of support and comfort.

Also present during the donation presentation, was District Police Chief ACP Awang Besar Dullah who also presented donations collected from the Tawau Police Station to Marlinah.

Source : Daily Express