Funeral prayers in Kota Baru led by Health Minister
KOTA BARU: It was a sorrowful time as they gathered for the final farewell of those killed in last Tuesday’s helicopter crash in the course of duty.
A sombre atmosphere enveloped the burial of medical officer Dr Ainul Baraah Kamarudin, 33, at Sri Kedeper Islamic cemetery in Pengkalan Chepa here.
The burial ceremony took place yesterday after funeral prayers at a mosque in Mukim Baung Besar, which was led by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Earlier, a Royal Malaysian Air Force special aircraft carrying Dr Ainul Baraah’s remains from Miri, Sarawak, arrived at the airport in Pengkalan Chepa, Bernama reported.
Dr Ainul Baraah was one of five victims of the Flying Doctor Service helicopter crash in Long Lellang, Baram, Sarawak.
The tragedy, which claimed the lives of all five people on board the helicopter, happened near the end of the Long Lellang STOLport (short take off and landing airport) runway.
The other victims were pilot Captain Zainol Afiq Bee Sham, 30, medical assistant Alexson Adit Henry, 31, and two nurses, Jessie Paya Jok, 44, and Debra Moset, 40.
Dr Ainul Baraah’s husband, Muhammad Faiz Abdul Malik, said: “I accept what has happened, but there are times when memories and thoughts of her come back to me.”
He said the support from the federal, Sarawak, and Kelantan governments have helped facilitate arrangements concerning his late wife.
“Fate has taken its course, but Alhamdulillah, everything was made easier. I received support from everyone, both friends and people who did not know me,” Muhammad Faiz said.
“For me, that was a blessing for the deceased, as she received the support and prayers of Malaysians nationwide,” Muhammad Faiz, 37, told reporters yesterday.
The deceased’s father, Kama-rudin Salleh, 69, said he and his family had granted permission for Dzulkefly to lead the funeral prayers as a mark of respect.
“I wish to express my gratitude to the Health Minister and the public – including relatives and friends – for their constant prayers and for keeping my late daughter in their thoughts,” he said.
In SIBURAN, Sarawak, Bernama reported that nurse Debra Moset was due to host a reunion with school friends at her new home in Kampung Semadang.
Instead, the newly completed house became the place where her remains were brought home yesterday.
Her cousin, Sandra Ninyong, 43, said Debra and her family had been looking forward to holding a thanksgiving ceremony for the new home next week before having the reunion.
“She had been waiting for about a year for the house to be completed,” said Sandra.
Debra, 40, is survived by her husband John Then Hua Ken, 43, and two children aged 12 and 15.
Her remains were flown from Miri and arrived at Kuching International Airport yesterday morning before being taken to her hometown.
She will be laid to rest at St Patrick cemetery in Semadang today.
In SEREMBAN, a relative of Captain Zainol said his death was a huge loss to the family.
His wife’s uncle, Hashim Mohd Harun, 58, said the late captain was not only a caring family member but also an inspiration to his nieces and nephews.
“Despite his young age, he had achieved so much and built a character that earned the respect of many,” he told reporters at Masjid Bandar Baru Senawang.
Hashim said Captain Zainol was devoted to his family and always maintained close ties between his own family and that of his in-laws.
“To him, there was no distinction between his wife’s family and his own. We were all united as one harmonious family.”
Former schoolmate Dr Muhammad Fauzan Baharum, 31, who had known Captain Zainol since Form Four, said his late friend was a warm and approachable person.
“Throughout the years I knew him, he never had any issues with anyone, whether juniors or seniors.
“He was very friendly and always tried his best to help anyone who sought his assistance,” he said.
