Fire victim receives RM10,000 from Sarawak govt
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has contributed RM10,000 to the family of Nur Syuhada Azhari, one of the two teachers injured by last Wednesday’s fire at SK Batu Bungan, Mulu.
The contributions were handed over by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong to Syuhada’s mother Hamidah Zakaria here yesterday.
Witnessing the handing over were Syuhada’s husband Muhammad Rohaizad Abd Rahim, family members as well as acting Education Director Sarawak Abang Mat Ali Abang Masagus and officials from the state Education Department (JPNS).
Syuhada’s mother and family members have flown in from Kelantan to be by her side, after she was transferred from Miri Hospital to Sarawak General Hospital here on Friday for further treatment at the Burns Ward.
Rohaizad, who is working in Kuala Lumpur, flew in earlier on Wednesday to Miri after receiving the news. He is joined here by his family members. Manyin and the JPNS officials also spent some time chatting with the family and gave them comforting words.
It is learnt that Syuhada’s condition is getting better although she might need to go for operation. Syuhada suffered 20 per cent burns on her body, mainly on her hands. She also still had difficulties to speak as of yesterday.
Rohaizad, when met after the presentation of contributions, said he thanked the Sarawak government and the people for their concern and prayers for his wife. He and Syuhada, both 27, were married just a month ago, during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive period.
“Her family members have flown in here to be by her side and to give her moral and spiritual support,” he said.
Meanwhile, another injured teacher Siti Masrina Nian is still in Miri as her condition was said to be not serious. She is also scheduled to receive RM10,000 contributions from the state government, which has set up a fund to assist the victims.
The fund was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Wednesday with an initial contribution of RM50,000 from the state government.
The fund will be channelled through the Tabung Perayaan Hari Guru Negeri Sarawak which will be managed by the Director of the Sarawak Education Department. A sum of RM30,000 from the fund has been donated to the family of the late Catherine Janet Tiwi, who was laid to rest at her village Kampung Skio, Bau on Saturday.
Members of the public are welcomed to contribute to the fund, and contributions may be deposited into Bank Rakyat, account number 11127100764.
The fire at SK Batu Bungan, which claimed Catherine’s life, has sparked renewed calls for the federal government to repair and upgrade dilapidated schools in rural and interior Sarawak.
Her family members have flown in here to be by her side and to give her moral and spiritual support.
Muhammad Rohaizad Abd Rahim, Syuhada’s husband