Messages of condolences and grief ahead of memorial service

PETALING JAYA: Hundreds of heart-wrenching messages have been received in memory of the SJK(C) Mun Choong teachers, pupils and workers who died in the Dec 16 Batang Kali landslide, ahead of the memorial service at the school today.

The school authority set up a dedicated message board on the PadLet.com platform for the public to record their messages (https://padlet.com/PSSSJKCMUNCHOONG/messagesforthem).

“What would you like to say to the teachers (Hong Mei Jing, Liu Pei Si, Lai Lee Koon, Fong Choy Kee, Lim Wen Xin and Lam Sook Man), students (Eng Huai Yi – 6S, Eng Shao Qi – 5K and Tong Kai En – 3J) and canteen employees (Gary and Wani)?

“Please state your name and relationship with them. Thank you,” read the school message on the landing page.

Among those who left their well-wishes were staff from Hospital Sungai Buloh, which handled all the victims’ remains.

“Salam takziah. Semoga semua warga sekolah bertabah hadapinya. (Condolences. May everyone from the school persevere in facing this challenge.)

“Salam dari warga Hospital Sungai Buloh. (Regards from staff of Hospital Sungai Buloh.)”

Others who penned their messages included parents and pupils.

“Dear Ms Lam, I’m Kashwini from 5C. I’m shocked to my core.

“We lost one of the best teachers we had ever met. I have lost my guru, my mentor.

“I am ... short of words to express my grief on the sad demise of our beloved teachers.

“We pray to God for (their) souls to rest in peace. We wish their family immense strength and peace in life,” she said.

A parent posted this message: “Thank you to the teachers who have taught my children, Qwin Isabel from 5U and Qays Arash from 4U.

“Arash cried when he got to know that Teacher Fong was gone.

“May she rest in peace,” read the message.

The grandmother of a pupil also wished for all the victims to be at peace.

“I’m 4N Kanchana’s grandmother.

“It’s so sad. Until now (I still) can’t believe (what happened),” she said.

In a message to the canteen operator, Gary Eng Choon Wen, a parent thanked him for his kindness in giving free food to some of the poor students.

“You took care of their feelings and did not announce their names.

“Instead, you included them in your list of students who pay for their meals.

“Thank you for not letting the students go hungry,” it said.

Messages were still pouring in at press time.

SJK(C) Mun Choong’s memorial service will be held at its hall at 9am today.