TANJONG KARANG, May 6 — “She was supposed to come to our house here tonight because her sister and I are holding a tahlil prayer for her late parents. Now...it seems that the tahlil prayer will also be for her and her missing husband.” Hasnan Awang, who is the brother-in-law of Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Noriah Kasnon, said this to Bernama.
He said they had planned to hold the tahlil prayer for quite some time and were looking forward to see each member of their big family tonight.
“Now, six of her seven siblings are all here, except her. It seems God has a better plan for her,” he told reporters at his home here today.
Hassan also described Noriah’s death as a major loss, not only to their family, but all residents in Sungai Besar.
Hassan, 57, who is also Noriah’s special aide for her parliamentary constituency matters, said she was a leader who was committed in discharging her duties and serving the people.
“In the recent rainstorm which had damaged several houses in Sungai Besar, Noriah had immediately instructed her officers to help the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Noriah’s younger brother, Saiful Baharin, 44, described his sister as a very responsible and caring person, especially to the family.
“At home, she was affectionately called Nin...I was very close to Kak Nin and we surely will miss her especially on Hari Raya... because it was her who would prepare everything for everyone during Hari Raya.
“It was obvious to all of us that she was happier after getting married last year. Her life was complete with understanding children and a loving husband who was always by her side...he was her long lost love, but fate had eventually led them to each other,” he said, smiling.
Noriah was one of the six people travelling in the Eurocopter AS350 helicopter from Betong to Kuching when it crashed near the Batang Lupar river in Sebuyau.
Noriah’s body was found earlier today. The fate of the others who were on board is still unknown.
They are Noriah’s husband, Asmuni Abdullah, Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Wan Mohammad Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad, Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Sundaran Annamalai, Noriah’s bodyguard Ahmad Sobri Harun and Filipino pilot Rudolf Rex Ragas. — Bernama
