GEORGE TOWN – Malaysia’s national football coach Tan Cheng Hoe was among those who came to give courage to Johor Darul Ta’zim star striker Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad, who lost his infant son and mother-in-law in a horrific car crash along the North-South Expressway in Sungai Bakap, Penang, today.
Tan paid Syafiq a visit at Sungai Bakap Hospital, where the latter was waiting to claim the body of his 22-day-old son, Aisy, from the forensics department.
Tan told journalists here that he tried his best to console Syafiq, who is deeply traumatised following the pre-dawn mishap.
“We hope that he will pull through. It will take time for him to return to normal, but we hope he will remain strong,” Tan said after meeting his player.
“It is not easy for anyone to be in his shoes right now, more so to lose a newborn child and mother-in-law,” he said, adding that he can only encourage Syafiq to be strong.
Syafiq, who was driving a Toyota Vellfire, was with his wife, Nur Amalina Nurian, 25, mother-in-law, Zainab Wahab, 45, and Indonesian maid, Titik Sukamti, together with Aisy and his 2-year-old daughter, Aaira Nur Saffiyya.
In the mishap close to 5am here, the family was heading to Zainab’s home in Pendang, Kedah, when the footballer, who also plays for the national team, lost control of his vehicle, sending it hurtling towards the highway’s railings and turning turtle.
Zainab, Titik and Aisy lost their lives in the crash.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research chairman Datuk Suret Singh also extended his condolences, expressing hope that Syafiq will remain calm as he handles the anguish.
He said the tragedy is a poignant reminder of the need for society to play a collective role in maintaining safety and security on roads. – The Vibes, December 6, 2020
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