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KUCHING: The heroism of Mohamad Syafiq Mohamad Ali Hanaffiah, who was severely burned while trying to save a boy from a fire last year, has touched the heart of Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier has given a personal contribution of RM50,000 to Mohamad Syafiq, 34, after learning of his plight through media reports.
The contribution was handed over by his chief political secretary Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman to Mohamad Syafiq's mother Julia Jemat at their home on Thursday (Jan 11).
"Syafiq is a hero who tried to save a fire victim. As a result of his attitude of putting the lives of others ahead of his own, he suffered serious injuries.
"This caught the attention of the Premier, who called me two days ago and directed me to hand over his personal contribution to Syafiq for his selflessness," Fazzruddin told reporters after visiting Mohamad Syafiq and Julia.
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He said Abang Johari was deeply concerned and touched by the plight of Mohamad Syafiq and his family, as his younger sibling also needed medication regularly.
"We hope the contribution can help ease the family's burden and assist in Mohamad Syafiq's recovery. I appeal to all Sarawakians and Malaysians to pray for his recovery and for his family to be strong in facing this challenge," he said.
Mohamad Syafiq rushed into a burning house at the Batu Kawa People's Housing Project on Aug 28 to try to save a child who was trapped inside.
The Civil Defence volunteer sustained third-degree burns over 75% of his body but was tragically unable to rescue the six-year-old boy.
He was discharged from hospital in November and is undergoing burn rehabilitation at home with the costs fully sponsored by Teddy Medical Clinic.
In December, the then-Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali presented him with the Bintang Gagah Berani Pertahanan Awam award for his heroic deed.
According to his mother Julia, 56, Mohamad Syafiq's wounds needed to be dressed every two days, an extremely painful process, and he would also need physiotherapy.
Fazzrudin said Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, who has visited the family four times so far, was making arrangements for a physiotherapist to visit Mohamad Syafiq at home.
Besides Lo, state Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah has also visited the family.
"The state government is concerned about the people's welfare. We want to ensure that no one who needs help is left out.
"But we also need people to provide information to the relevant agencies so that assistance can be properly channelled," Fazzrudin said.
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