The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund has provided RM8,000 to a former Berita Harian editor whose home was destroyed in a fire, highlighting support for media veterans

SHAH ALAM: The welfare of media practitioners who have contributed to the national information industry continues to be supported through the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative, with assistance given to former Berita Harian (BH) woman’s editor Zubaidah Abdul Rahman, whose house was destroyed by fire last night.

Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said that through the initiative, Zubaidah received contributions under two categories, namely fire and injury, amounting to RM5,000 and RM3,000 respectively.

Representing Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil in delivering the contribution, Nur-ul Afida hoped that the assistance can at least lighten the burden on Zubaidah and her family in obtaining temporary housing and managing their needs after the incident.

“Zubaidah is a highly esteemed veteran journalist, regarded among women journalists as one of the pioneers in the field of journalism in this country.

“I also conveyed the Communications Minister’s sympathies to her. The Minister asked me to represent him as he was called away due to an assignment,” she said when met after visiting and delivering contributions from the Tabung Kasih@Hawana here today. The event was also attended by Bernama head of management services and finance Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain.

Meanwhile, Zubaidah, 84, when met in front of her residence today, appeared resilient despite the disaster that destroyed the house she had lived in for the past 50 years, in addition to suffering second-degree burns on her back.

“The spirit is still here… Thank God the doctor has checked and I have no serious injuries, just a few bruises because I fell while trying to save myself. This is all a test from God … if it is destined to happen, it will happen,” she said.

Yesterday, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar said that 22 personnel and officers from the Shah Alam Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) and Bukit Jelutong BBP were deployed to Section 3 here to control the blaze.

He said the fire destroyed 90 per cent of Zubaidah’s house. A  car was also destroyed in the incident at around 8 pm.

 The Sun Malaysia