Michael Chong loses childhood friend to Covid-19

KOTA KINABALU: An elderly Covid-19 patient has succumbed to Covid-19, one week after his wife also passed away at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.

The 75-year-old, Pu Liong, was a childhood friend of MCA public services and complaints department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong.

"His granddaughter Kaylle informed me of this death at around 5.30am Saturday morning (Oct 2)," Chong said.

He said it was unfortunate that a person who fought so hard had succumbed to Covid-19.

"But I guess in a way, he is happy because he now gets to be with his wife," he said.

Pu's wife passed away a week earlier due to complications from cancer as well as Covid-19. She was 80.

Chong said prior to this, both Pu and his wife were diagnosed with Covid-19 and were admitted on Sept 11.

However, they were not allowed to see each other as doctors feared that their emotional stress would hamper treatment.

They were allowed to see each other for a little while on Sept 21 for the Mooncake Festival.

"They spent about half-an-hour together, that was the last time they met," Chong said.

Pu was devastated after his wife passed away and he did not have the will to continue fighting without her.

"However, his family and friends told him not to give up hope. He was willing to try again, to stay strong to get well, but alas, one can only do so much," Chong said.

Pu's body will be released back to his family once hospital procedures are completed.

It is learnt that his burial can be managed by the family as he was declared clear of the infectious period.