MELAKA: The death of a 41-year-old mother of five has left Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin shaken, as it came just weeks after she expressed her hope to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with her children.
The Hang Tuah Jaya PKR chief said Siti Noracikin Zakaria died at her home at 8.30pm on Monday (March 23) after battling stage four stomach cancer.
He said her passing was particularly difficult to accept, as he had only recently visited her during Ramadan.
"She was still hopeful of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri with her children, and now I can only pray that her soul rests in peace," he said on Tuesday (March 24).
He said the news prompted him to cancel several open house invitations.
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Recalling his visit to Siti Noracikin, Shamsul Iskandar said her situation had drawn an outpouring of support from the public, reflecting the compassion of Malaysians in times of need.
"I saw how people came forward to help and support her.
"It shows that Malaysians truly care for one another," he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Dr KM Gannesh who had stepped forward to help Siti Noracikin achieve her wish of celebrating Aidilfitri with her children, and for providing medical support.
"Although her condition was critical, his gesture meant a great deal," he added.
Describing her death as sad episode for her all her chiidren, Shamsul Iskandar said he did not expect such a swift turn of events.
"It all happened very quickly. I didn't expect that the person I spoke to just days ago would be gone so soon," he said, adding that he would continue assisting her family together with Dr Gannesh.
Siti Noracikin’s plight came to light on March 10 when Shamsul Iskandar visited her in Taman Peruna, Sungai Udang, to deliver financial aid and festive contributions.
During the visit, her six-year-old son, Muhammad Rasul Makail, had asked if she would be there to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with him.
She replied that, God willing, she hoped to celebrate, if not this year, then the next.
She had been diagnosed with stomach cancer last year and her condition deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks.
She leaves behind five sons aged between six and 21.
Her 42-year-old husband, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022, is partially blind.
Siti Noracikin was laid to rest at Pusara Abadi Muslim Cemetery on Tuesday morning.
