Time to move on and stay strong

We will move on, but we will never forget

PETALING JAYA: The national day of mourning is over and, as a nation, Malaysians must move forward and help those who lost their loved ones to do the same.

Malaysian Crisis Intervention Team deputy chairman Dr Abdul Jalil Hassan said the nation and the families of those involved in the recent air tragedies “must go on living”.

Describing the MH17 victims as “ambassadors of unity and peace”, he said Friday’s ceremony honouring the 20 who returned home helped provide closure for the families involved.

The intervention team has been providing ongoing psychological support for family members of those on board MH370 and MH17.

He said the national day of mourning had acknowledged the sacrifices of those who perished.

“People have accepted that these tragedies happened. Time helps the healing process but we must give the families room to grieve,” he said.

“It’s okay to cry and be sad but we have to continue living.

“Questions like who will pay the household bills or what will happen to my young child now that I am a single parent, will cause stress.

“Friends can help by volunteering assistance – ask them what they need and how you can help.

“Don’t ask them about the past because it can trigger the trauma,” he said.

He advised the victims’ families not to think too much as problems could be tackled one at a time.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taosim deputy president Jagir Singh reminded everyone to look to their own respective religions to find strength.

“We must accept and move on. Turn to your faith – whatever that may be, and speak to your religious leaders.

“Pray to overcome your grief,” he said.

The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency corporate communication head Mohamad Khalil Jamaldin urged those who find themselves at a loss when managing their finances, especially after losing the family’s breadwinner, to visit the agency.

He said the perception that those who approached the agency were in financial trouble, was wrong.

The agency, set up by Bank Negara, helps individuals take control of their financial situation by offering free services such as financial management, education, counselling, debt management and using money responsibly.

“There is no need for appointments – just walk in and talk to our financial counsellors,” he assured.