GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government today handed over contributions to the family of Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, a member of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) who along with nine others, perished in a helicopter crash in Lumut on Tuesday.
The contribution, a special allocation by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, was personally delivered to Muhammad Firdaus’ father, Ramli Abd Hamid, 69, during a visit to their residence in Pantai Jerejak here this evening.
Chow said the state government is ready to discuss further assistance for Muhammad Firdaus's family and hoped that the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and RMN will conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the actual cause of the incident.
“We are all saddened by the incident that claimed the lives of 10 national heroes, especially for the families of the victims. Today, we are providing a small contribution as a sign of our care and concern,” he told reporters.
Earlier, Chow spent about 20 minutes with Muhammad Firdaus’ family members. Also present were Second Division Commander Major General Datuk Azhan Md Othman and Naval Region 3 Commander First Admiral Roslee Mohamad Isa.
Speaking to reporters later, Ramli expressed his gratitude for the state government's concern and words of encouragement during a time when he greatly needed support after losing his son in the heart-wrenching tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak also visited the Muhammad Firdaus’ family, spending about 30 minutes inquiring about their well-being and the latest developments regarding the investigation into the tragedy.
Ahmad Fuzi handed over a contribution in the form of a RM10,000 cheque to Muhammad Firdaus’ wife, Sofiyyah Sa'adon, from Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Pulau Pinang as well as RM30,000 donated by several corporate individuals.
The family also received three boxes of necessities from Yayasan Amal TYT Pulau Pinang and was informed arrangements are being made for the transfer of Sofiyyah, who is currently serving as a pharmacist at Likas Hospital in Kota Kinabalu to Kajang.
The couple have a four-year-old son.
Muhammad Firdaus was laid to rest at the Masjid Jamek Sungai Nibong Besar Muslim cemetery here last night.
