Aggrieved father regrets over not fulfiling son's last wish

KUALA KRAI: "He kept reminding me to bring his favourite baju Melayu outfit, gifted by his elder sister Rabiatul Fitr, to the relief centre," says Mohd Rahim Mohd Yusof, 53, father of the late Mohammad Hakimin, 20, who drowned while helping to evacuate flood victims on Wednesday.

Mohd Rahim from Kampung Manjor here said he was unable to fulfil his son’s last wish as things were chaotic due to the rising floodwaters.

“I did not take heed his request as I thought the flood situation was not as bad as the 2014 flooding ... but to this day I still remember his request and I am aggrieved for not being able to fulfil his last wish," he said tearfully.

Mohd Rahim was met at the handing over of assistance hosted by McDonald’s Malaysia with the Kuala Krai Police Station at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pemberian here yesterday.

Also present were McDonald’s Malaysia East Coast Division Operations Manager Safna Sepian, Kuala Krai district police chief Supt Suzaimi Mohamad, Kuala Krai deputy district police chief DSP Kamarulzaman Harun and Kuala Krai district head Tengku Ab Rahman Tuan Yunus.

Mohd Rahim described his fourth child from six children as hardworking and helpful who would often offer his assistance to the villagers.

He said, after his son’s death, the family has been receiving visits from friends and villagers who are grateful for the help his son extended to them.

Mohammad Hakimin was found drowned after falling from the boat while ferrying flood evacuees to the relief centre in Kampung Manjor.

In the 10 pm incident, the victim was believed to have fainted from fatigue before falling into the river.

Dubbed an unsung hero, Mohamad Hakimin’s passing was viralled on social media, shared by netizens including former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who posted the story on his Facebook page.

-- BERNAMA