SANDAKAN - As the only person offering funeral services for Covid-19 victims in Sandakan, Yunizam Yusop says he is willing to take the risk of getting infected with the virus to help those in need.
What makes it even more remarkable is that Yunizam and his eight team members do it for free.
“Of course, I am worried for my safety and that of my team members. But someone has to do it, and I am willing to help. I pray that God will protect us during each job. After all, we are helping people in need,” he said.
“From my experience, I get to see the pain of the deceased’s family members for not being able to send off their loved ones. They cannot see or touch the body of their family for the last time. It is heartbreaking.
“I hope that all locals would cooperate in stopping Covid-19 from spreading, because I do not wish to see any more deaths from Covid-19 in Sandakan. Everyone just stay at home, please!” he said.
He was speaking to The Vibes fresh after having handled the funeral of a third Covid-19 victim here, yesterday.
Yunizam who is known by the locals as Abam Botak (bald brother), is no stranger in Sandakan for he was the first to start free ride services to the hospital in the district, in which he transported those who could not afford bus fares, to and from the hospital.
It was during then, that he realised there were many in the hardcore poor category who could not afford to transport the body of their loved ones for burial at the cemetery due to financial constraints.
Exactly two years ago, with only a used school van, Yunizam started offering free hearse services to the people in Sandakan.
To date, Yunizam and his team have helped more than a thousand families here. The team now has three hearse vehicles that offer free services to the people in Sandakan.
His funds come from donors and Good Samaritans in the country, but Yunizam said he would reject donations with strings attached. – The Vibes, October 12, 2020
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