Suicide not caused by land acquisition, says brother

The younger brother of the husband who committed suicide with his wife and son at Pengerang on the first day of 2013 has denied that it was caused by the land acquisition to make way for the RM60 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project.

Pang Mao Fong, 55, called a press conference with Johor MCA vice-chairperson, Jason Teoh yesterday after paying his last respects to his brother, Pang Jing Rong, 64, sister-in-law, Wang Ya Yee, 58, and their Down Syndrome son, Qi Hao, 20.

According to China Press, Mao Fong believed that the death has nothing to do with the land acquisition as the government has not started the acquisition process.

Yesterday, Chua Peng Sian, treasurer for the Coalition of Pengerang NGOs which are leading the anti-Rapid movement, claimed thatforced relocationmight be one of the reasons behind the suicide as the family was renting the house on the affected land, and therefore could only received some RM20,000 of compensation.

Mao Fong believed that Jing Rong, a patient diagnosed with depression and high blood pressure, could not bear the heavy burden of taking care of the disabled wife who suffered from a stroke and the mentally-challenged son.

“The house at Kampung Jawa, Pengerang was jointly-bought by other younger brothers for Jing Rong's family to stay. We helped him with financial aid every month.

“My brother did not kill himself because of money. He had never complained to us,” he was quoted as saying.

Mao Fong said he was questioned by the police for over an hour after media reported that Jing Rong committed suicide due to land acquisition issues.

Hence, he demanded the Coalition of Pengerang NGOs which made the speculation, and the media to clarify and apologise.

China Press reported that some local residents still thought that land acquisition could be part of the factors leading to the tragedy.

Teoh, who is also Gelang Patah MCA division chief, demanded individuals and organisations that made the allegation to tender an open apology, and urged all quarters not to politicise the issue for political agenda.

He said anyone who made unsubstantial statements could face action under charges of sedition.

‘Duo does not understand family’s predicament’ 

However, vice-chairperson of the Coalition of Pengerang NGOs, Sim Seng San rebutted Mao Fong and Teoh’s claim, arguing that the duo does not understand the predicament faced by Jing Rong's family as they are not locals.

“Why demand us to apologise? We will never apologise! We simply said that the land acquisition factor should not be ruled out. Teoh is being too sensitive,” he said, adding that the only way for Mao Fong and Teoh to find out the truth is to ‘confront the deceased’.

“If Mao Fong did help and was concerned about the family, they would not have chosen to end their lives,” Sim stressed.

The organisation's treasurer, Chua also reiterated that Jing Rong once told him that only RM20,000 of compensation will be given to the family.

According to Chua, Jing Rong was uneasy about the future. 

Pengerang MCA chief, Tan Yong Seng also confirmed with China Press that Jing Rong had sought help from MCA as he worried that the family will lose their home after the land was acquired.

He said that Jing Rong was in tears and claimed that he will kill himself and the two family members.

“We promised to him that MCA will help him. If they are forced to move out, we would help the family to find a new house,” said Tan.

He added that MCA had helped the family to apply for financial aid from the welfare department which would entitle them to a RM300 monthly aid should the application be approved.

On the other hand, Johor CID chief, Hashim Haron denied the statement made by Kota Tinggi OCPD Che Mahazan Che Aik yesterday that the family’s poverty had led to the suicide.

Instead, Hashim explained in a statement yesterday that Jing Rong was overwhelmed by the burden of taking care of his wife and son, as told by his brother Mao Fong.