DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has pledged assistance to two teenagers who lost five members of their family in a house fire in Raub earlier this week.
The blaze, which broke out at about 3am on Thursday in Kampung Pamah Kulat, claimed the lives of Mohd Alawi Muhammad, 56, his wife Zaleha Adam @ Ibrahim, 44, and their three daughters, aged between 10 and 17.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Zahid said he would ensure the welfare and education of the couple’s surviving children, Ruby Adalia Balqis Mohd Alawi, 19, and her 15-year-old brother, Ahmad Balia Murqam Mohd Alawi, are protected.
“During a video call with the family, I was deeply moved by the resilience of Ruby Adalia Balqis and Ahmad Balia Murqam in coping with the loss of their loved ones,” he wrote.
He added that he had invited the siblings to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with him so that they would not feel alone during the upcoming festivities.
“Let us pray that the souls of the deceased are blessed, and that the surviving family members are granted strength and perseverance,” he said.
The five victims were laid to rest together at the Bukit Gelugor Muslim cemetery at 11.45pm on Friday.
Ruby Adalia Balqis, who is pursuing her matriculation studies in Gambang, Kuantan, and Ahmad Balia Murqam, a student at SMK Dong in Raub, were not at home when the fire broke out. - February 28, 2026
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