Widows who lost husbands in Tanduo incident receive aid
KOTA KINABALU: Two widows whose husbands were killed during a clash between Malaysian security forces and armed militants in the Tanduo incident in Lahad Datu eight years ago, received contribution from the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) in conjunction with the Ramadan season.
The contributions were made by ESSCom chief executive officer Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali to the late Sergeant Major Baharin Hamit’s wife Sumaiti Suarah and the late Sergeant Salam Togiran’s wife Marlimah Utan.
Both deceased were formally attached with the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) in Sabah.
Jamaluddin said the visits were to express gratitude and extend assistance to the widows of national heroes who were killed on February 11, 2013.
“What our heroes have done for our nation and country, we will never forget their sacrifices.
“The 2013 incident is a history of Malaysia and we will always remember the services of national fallen heroes,” he said yesterday.
Jamaluddin added that contributions to the families of our fallen security forces will be held every year, including for those in Peninsular Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Sumaiti, when met at the event yesterday said, after eight years since she had lost her husband, she and the family have come to accept their fate and continue to carry on with their lives.
“It has been eight years, yes we still miss him but we have to continue our life knowing that he is not around anymore with us, but will always be in our heart and memory,” she said.
Sumaiti also thanked ESSCom and other agencies for the contributions.
“This contribution can help our family especially during this Ramadan season,” she said.
For Marlimah, a mother’s love for her children kept her strong to carry on with life without her late husband.
“Yes it still hurts knowing he is not around anymore, especially during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“But for my children, I have to stay strong and take care of the family. It is not easy but with determination and support from family members and relatives, I know we can move on,” she said, thanking ESSCom for the contribution made to her family.