Sungai Jeram Tragedy: PM Extends Aid To Victims' Family

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 14 (Bernama) -- The tragedy involving two sisters who drowned at Sungai Jeram in Manir near here last Tuesday has drawn the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri  Anwar Ibrahim, who extended financial assistance to the family today.

The RM4,000 cash contribution was presented by Terengganu Federal Development Department (ICU JPM) director Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdul Latif to the family of the late Nur Afiqah Shahirah Mohd Shawalluddin and her younger sister, Nur Shahila Shahirah Azman.

Abdul Kahar said the contribution reflected the Prime Minister’s concern for the family, particularly the girls’ mother, Suria Sulong, 34, a single mother and a person with learning disabilities, as well as their grandmother, Esah Salleh, 76.

“We hope the assistance from the Prime Minister will help ease the family’s burden. We will also look into other forms of support that can be provided, as Makcik Esah is now living only with her daughter (Suria) following the loss of the two sisters.

“They depend mainly on assistance from the Social Welfare Department (JKM), Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maidam) and the local community.” he said after presenting the contribution to Esah and Suria at their home in Kampung Jeram, here today.

Meanwhile, Esah expressed her gratitude to Anwar for the contribution, saying it would be used as best as possible to support her and Suria’s daily needs.

“Alhamdulillah, many people, including the Prime Minister, have shown concern for our situation. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has helped me and my daughter,” she said, adding that she now feels lonely after losing the two grandchildren she had raised since childhood.

In the incident at about 3 pm last Tuesday, Nur Afiqah Shahirah, 15, who also had learning disabilities, and Nur Shahila Shahirah, 12, were reported to have drowned after being swept away by strong currents while bathing with two other friends at Sungai Jeram.

The two other friends were also caught in the strong currents but were rescued by villagers.

 -- BERNAMA