Public, media should respect Syafiq, family's feelings - Reezal Merican

BUKIT MERTAJAM : The public, especially netizens have been urged to be respectful and to take care of JDT footballer Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad and his family’s feelings as they grieve over the death of their loved ones following a road crash early this morning.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican in reminding netizens not to share gruesome photos or videos of the accident said, the family should be given space to cope during this difficult period.

In the 5.36 am incident, Muhammad Syafiq’s 22-day-old son, mother-in-law Zainab Wahab, 45, and Indonesian maid Titik Sukamti, in her 30s, died in the crash, the 25-year-old striker and his daughter Aaira Nur Saffiya, 2, sustained light injuries, while his wife Nur Amalina Norain, 25, was reported to be seriously injured.

"I call on everyone including the media, not to sensationalise the issue and to respect the family’s privacy as it must be difficult going through such a traumatic experience,” he told reporters after presenting a National Sports Council (NSC) cheque amounting RM104,500 to former national takraw player Muhammad Kamal Ishak at his home near Kubang Semang here, today.

Muhammad Kamal when met, said his health has improved adding that he is now eagerly waiting for his convocation at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as well as some interview results.

Muhammad Kamal Ishak, the former Penang Black Panthers striker, is now wheelchair-bound after he sustained spinal injuries in a road accident in Kuala Lumpur in February last year.

He is currently running a T-shirt printing and small beverage manufacturing business.

Meanwhile condolences messages poured in for Muhammad Syafiq and his bereaved family from the Malaysian football fraternity, among them, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM), Selangor FC and the Kedah Football Association.

"May Allah SWT shower the deceased endless blessings, mercy and forgiveness, and grant Syafiq and his family ease, courage and strength. Al-Fatihah," according to a statement on FAM's official Facebook page.

In expressing their heartfelt condolences to Syafiq and his family, PFAM urged the public to be respectful and support the grieving family members by not sharing photos or videos of the incident.

Former national squad operator Datuk K. Rajagobal in his condolence message via Twitter said, "Please stay strong Syafiq Ahmad. My sincere prayers, may you be given the strength to face this test. Take care."

-- BERNAMA