Ahmad Zahid Extends Aid, Support To Journalists Injured In Crash

​IPOH, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has extended financial assistance and words of encouragement to two journalists from the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and the New Straits Times (NST) who were injured in a road accident on the Ipoh-Lumut road yesterday.

The contributions were delivered today by his press secretary, Shuhaimi Mohamed, to Bernama journalist Nur Afiradina Arshad, 34, and NST journalist Zahratulhayat Mat Arif, 37, at their homes in Semenyih and Ipoh, respectively.

Speaking at Zahratulhayat's residence in Klebang Harmoni, Shuhaimi said Ahmad Zahid had also pledged to monitor their recovery and provide further assistance where needed.

“We hope Dina and Zahra will recover quickly and be able to return to work. Their contributions extend beyond Bagan Datuk to the whole of Perak,” he said.

Several Perak-based media practitioners were also present.

​Shuhaimi said Ahmad Zahid appreciated the solidarity and moral support shown by the Ipoh media fraternity towards the injured journalists.

He added that the deputy prime minister, who also chairs the Road Safety Committee, regularly reminded motorists to remain vigilant, particularly on poorly lit roads, and to prioritise their safety.

The two journalists were travelling from Ipoh to Bagan Datuk to cover an event scheduled to be attended by Ahmad Zahid when their Perodua Bezza was reportedly struck by a lorry in Menglembu.

Nur Afiradina was taken for treatment in the yellow zone of Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital as she sustained a neck injury, abrasions on her body, and a sprained ankle, while Zahratulhayat received outpatient treatment for minor injuries at the same hospital.

Meanwhile, the Perak Media Practitioners Association (PPMP) also extended financial assistance to the two journalists, who are members of the association.

PPMP chairman Sayed Mohd Hesham Syed Idris said the special contribution was part of the association’s efforts to assist members facing hardship or misfortune.

“We hope this contribution will help ease their burden. The visit by PPMP representatives today was also aimed at lifting their spirits as they may still be traumatised by the incident,” he said.

Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM), represented by its treasurer Kumaran Rajamoney, also presented a contribution.

“This contribution is a show of GKMM’s solidarity and support for media practitioners working in the field. We hope our visit will lift their spirits and encourage them to continue their work in the field,” he said.

-- BERNAMA