BATU PAHAT, Nov 15 — The Johor government, through the Johor State Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ), will cover the medical costs, including plastic surgery, for the two orphaned siblings who survived an accident along Jalan Yong Peng-Muar, near Parit Yaani, on November 1.

State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said the assistance would also include a monthly allowance, as both children were orphaned following the tragedy.

He said the elder sibling, 11-year-old Hasya Fahira Zulkifli, had been readmitted to hospital and was scheduled to undergo plastic surgery on her leg, while her younger brother, Muhammad Adam Mohd Hardi, 8, was now able to walk but still required several follow-up treatments.

“MAINJ’s monthly financial assistance will continue until both siblings receive Survivors’ Pension benefits from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), as we understand their father had made contributions.

“The state government will continue to monitor the progress of both siblings… besides MAINJ, we have also been informed that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is providing assistance,” he told reporters today.

He said this after accompanying Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to visit Hasya Fahira at a ward at Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital (HSNI), where they also celebrated her 11th birthday today.

Elaborating, Mohd Fared said the state government was also prepared to cover other expenses should the need arise.

“Assistance of this nature is not limited to these two siblings but is extended to all Johoreans in need,” he added.

In the November 1 accident, which occurred at about 12.30pm, the siblings’ parents, Tengku Syafirana Tengku Abdullah, 44, and Mohd Hardi Mohd Husin, 46, were killed after the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) they were traveling in was crushed by a tar-laden lorry, which had skidded following a tyre blowout.

In the incident, Mohd Hardi sustained serious injuries to his head and both hands, as well as burns to his body, while Tengku Syafirana suffered serious head and internal injuries, as well as burns to her body. — Bernama