Yesterday morning (28th June), a man was found dead at an overhead pedestrian crossing along the SILK highway. Initially, it was suspected he had taken his own life as he was unable to bear the pain of Covid-19. Latest police investigations revealed that it was more to that.
According to Balakong’s Assemblyman Wong Siew Ki (王诗棋), the family had already been facing financial difficulties. Having to deal with Covid had supposedly been the last straw for the deceased.
The DAP member reported meeting the family yesterday on her Facebook. Her intention had been to understand their situation and offer help. According to the deceased’s three children, he and his wife had been staying with their daughter. However, three weeks ago, the couple started showing Covid symptoms. A few days later, their daughter too started showing symptoms. She then tested positive for Covid-19.
The family shared that the deceased had been out of work for two months as the factory he had been working at was closed due to the movement control order (MCO). That left his daughter as the sole breadwinner of the family. With her having to undergo self-quarantine, the family’s financial situation looked bleak.
The family suspects the deceased was unable to handle the financial pressure while dealing with Covid infecting his family. “What’s sadder is that the deceased’s wife has been admitted to the ICU this morning (28th June) as she is in critical condition due to Covid-19,” Wong wrote.
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The Balakong Assemblyman found it ironic that the Prime Minister had just announced the Citizen Protection Package and Economic Rehabilitation (RECOVERY) that afternoon. She pointed out that unemployment cases like the deceased would have to wait till October to receive the RM500 financial assistance. For those who do not have the KWSP or PERKESO accounts, this help would be improbable.
Wong stated that the deaths caused by Covid-19 and suicide cases caused by economical and social stresses as well as mental health, could have been avoided. “In fact, because the plan to fight Covid-19 is disorganised, slow and disregards the people, many lives are sacrificed everyday and the sadness is carried by their family members who have lost their loved ones,” she stated.
The DAP member said they can only do so much to help, but it does not ease the families’ burdens and stresses. She called on the government to stop political squabbles and focus on fighting Covid-19.
Sources: Facebook, China Press
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