‘YAZMI CLOSE TO HIS KIDS’

Children cry when they miss him, says widow

“IS Allah taking care of daddy?” — the children of the late Major Yazmi Mohamed Yusof would innocently ask their mother, Noor Shafira Izwa Mohd Himi.

She said this usually happened when they missed their father, a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) pilot who was killed when the trainer jet he was in crashed in Terengganu on June 15.

“This is the hardest part to deal with as their father was very close to them,” she said at their house in Taman Tasik Titiwangsa yesterday.

Noor Shafira Izwa, 39, said their sons, Mikhail Adam Riaz, 11, Mukriz Anwar Riaz, 10, Muaz Addin Riaz, 7, twins Mika Adden Riaz and Mika Ayman Riaz, 4, and Musa Akhtar Riaz, 3, would sometimes cry alone when they missed their father.

She said they became more emotional, especially as Hari Raya Aidilfitri was approaching.

“Being children, they are very cheerful, but at times, they become quiet when they miss their father.

“But I am happy that my husband got to spend time with them during the recent school holidays when he was on leave.

“He led us in all five daily prayers and this will always be our fond memory of him.”

The family, Noor Shafira Izwa said, would celebrate Hari Raya in Perak this year.

“I am so grateful to those who keep checking on us and those who attended his funeral.

“I would like to thank his colleagues for their encouraging words and support.”

RMAF Air Operation Commander Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Abdul Mutalib Ab Wahab yesterday presented her a cheque for RM22,000 as a contribution from Tabung Amanah Perwira and Pertahanan Negara (TAPPN).

“RMAF will continue to provide for her family through TAPPN after processing his insurance claim and pension payment.

“Hopefully, other payments for Yazmi’s family will be ready after Hari Raya as the process takes two to three months.”

Yazmi was killed along with Major Mohd Hasri Zahari in the crash after their Hawk 108 trainer jet lost contact with RMAF.

In Negri Sembilan, Hasri’s widow, Asysyuhadak Ahmad, 30, also received a cheque for RM22,000 yesterday.

“I have to be strong and will use the money for my 8-month-old daughter,” she said in Felda Aluminium Muda, Jempol.

RMAF Major-General Datuk Mohd Shabre Hussein presented the cheque during his visit.

PIC BY YAZIT RAZALI Noor Shafira Izwa Mohd Himi (third from left) and her six sons during prayers for her late husband, Major Yazmi Mohamed Yusof, at Masjid Ibn Sina Taman Titiwangsa in Kuala Lumpur on June 16.