Kedah gov't to identify assistance for Adib's family

The Kedah government will identify the type of assistance to be given to the family of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, 24, who was attacked during a temple riot in Selangor last Nov 27 and died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) yesterday.

Kedah Health, Rural Development Religion and State Government-Linked Companies Committee chairperson Ismail Salleh said for now, the state government would provide assistance for the funeral expenses.

“Preparation for the burial ceremony are being done completely by the Fire and Rescue Department. The state government wil look into other needs,” he told reporters when met at the Adib’s family home in Kampung Tebengau in Kuala Kedah today.

Meanwhile, Ismail advised the people to not speculate on the incident that befell Adib by playing up religious or racial sentiments, but to leave the matter in the hands of the relevant authorities.

“We should learn from this incident and to never take the law into our own hands,” he said.

In the Nov 27 incident, Adib, of the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Station, was seriously injured after being allegedly assaulted by a mob near the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya. He was part of the operation to put out a fire in front of the temple.

He succumbed to his injuries at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday and breathed last at 9.41 pm with his family by his side.

His remains were flown back to his hometown by the Fire and Rescue Department’s helicopter and buried at a Muslim cemetery in Kampung Tebengau Tepi Laut.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, the Dewan Negara observed a minute's silence and expressed its condolence to Adib's family.

Senate president S Vigneswaran represented the Senate in expressing sadness over the death of the fireman.

"The fireman had sacrificed his life for the nation. He is a true hero, a national hero, the sacrifice of this noble being for the nation truly makes the country proud. May the incident be a lesson for all Malaysians,” he said.

Vigneswaran added that he also hoped that all family members of the late fireman and staff of the fire department would be strong in facing the situation.

All members of the Senate then stood to observe a minute's silence while Muslim senators recited the Al-Fatihah.

- Bernama