Selfless actions of APM volunteer during Batu Kawah fire receives Premier Abang Jo’s attention

Mohammad Syafiq who is still bedridden being attended to by his mother, Julia.

By Christopher Lidom

UCHING, Jan 11: The selfless actions of Mohamad Syafiq Mohamad Ali Hanaffiah, a Civil Defence Force (APM) volunteer, during fire in Batu Kawah on Aug 28, 2023 receives Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s attention.

Chief political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said the 34-year-man who suffered third-degree burns on his body is a hero for trying to save the victim during the incident.

“Mohd Syafiq’s courageous act has caught the Premier’s attention, and not only because of that that, (but also) his brother too, who is in need of regular medical treatment.

“As such, the Premier has contributed RM50,000 to Mohamad Syafiq’s family to ease their burden and help in his recovery process,” he told reporters when met after handing over the contribution to Mohd Syafiq’s mother at their residence at Stutong Heights Apartment Phase 2 here today.

Fazzrudin (second left) handing over the Premier’s contribution of RM50,000 to Julia during his visit to their residence today, while Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Women chief Kho Teck Wan (left) and others look on. Mohammad Syafiq can be seen lying on the bed.

Meanwhile, Fazzrudin said he was informed by Mohamad Syafiq’s mother, Julia Jemat, that Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang had also visited her son four times since the latter was discharged from the hospital in November last year, to assist in his recovery.

This, he said is a natural response from Sarawakians to assist those in need.

“Not only him (Lo), but Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah has also visited Mohamad Syafiq earlier this month, and now I am representing the Premier to deliver his contribution,” he added.

On Aug 28, Mohamad Syafiq brave a burning house in an attempt to save a 6-year-old boy which caused him to sustain severe third-degree burns over 75 per cent of his body. The victim, Zayyan Nazeem Zainal Abidin, 6, did not survive and his body was found after firefighters extinguished the flames.

According to a report, Mohamad Syafiq was placed in a coma for almost a month in Sarawak General Hospital due his injuries.

Currently, Mohammad Syafiq is undergoing burn rehabilitation at home sponsored by Teddy Medical Clinic. Baitulmal and welfare organisation Hope Place Kuching have also contributed equipment, food baskets and cash to help the family.

Those who wish to extend their assistance to Mohamad Syafiq’s family may make donations via Julia’s Affin Bank account (200418005895). – DayakDaily