Concerned: Fazzrudin talking to Mohd Syafiq during a visit to his home in Kuching.
KUCHING: The heroism of Mohd Syafiq Mohd 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 Mohd Syafiq after learning of his plight through media reports.
The contribution was handed over by chief political secretary Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman to Mohd Syafiq’s mother, Julia Jemat, 56, at their home here yesterday.
“Syafiq is a hero who tried to save a fire victim. As a result of putting the lives of others ahead of himself, he suffered serious injuries.
“This caught the attention of the Premier, who called me two days ago and directed me to hand his personal contribution to Syafiq for his selflessness,” Fazzruddin told reporters after the visit.
He said Abang Johari was deeply concerned and touched by the plight of Mohd Syafiq and his family, as his younger sibling also needs regular medication.
“We hope the contribution can help ease the family’s burden and help Mohd Syafiq’s recovery.
“I appeal to all Sarawakians and Malaysians to pray for his recovery and for his family to be strong,” he said.
Mohd Syafiq, 34, rushed into a burning house at the Batu Kawa People’s Housing Project on Aug 28 last year to save a child.
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 the hospital last November and is undergoing burn rehabilitation at home, with the costs fully sponsored by Teddy Medical Clinic.
According to his mother, Mohd Syafiq’s wounds needed to be dressed every two days, which is an extremely painful process.
Fazzrudin said Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, who has visited the family four times so far, is making arrangements for a physiotherapist to visit Mohd Syafiq at home.
“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.
