THE family of Ong Gim Kooi, who passed away in Ireland in March this year, is now relieved that a DNA verification had been completed and a sum of RM14,000 had been raised to help them get the body cremated in Ireland.
Gim Kooi, 42, died of a heart attack in Cork, the second largest city in Ireland. He was working as a restaurant helper there for the past 14 years.
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Gim Kooi’s elder sister, Yit Liang, thanked a few temples and the community in Weld Quay as well as Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is the Tanjong MP, and Pengakalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi for their financial help.
Gooi, who witnessed the presentation of the cheques from the temple representatives to Yit Liang today at Weld Quay, said Yit Liang had approached him in March for help after receiving a call from Irish authorities about his brother’s death. Also present was Yit Liang’s sibling, Gim Wah, 47.
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After confirming the death with the Malaysian embassy in Dublin, Ireland, Gooi said the process took a while because of different time zone and the requirement of the Irish authorities for the family to provide a DNA sample.
He added that the family went to the National Registration Department to obtain thumbprints from the identification cards as proof, but this was rejected by the Irish authorities who only wanted a DNA sample.
Gooi said after the family had provided the DNA sample through the help of Interpol and the Petani Road police station, the Irish authorities were satisfied to issue a death certificate.
The family was then told that the cremation fee is €2,865 (RM14,000) and was glad of the support they received locally.
Also present at the cheque presentation ceremony were Teong Guan Reclamation Area Festival Celebration Association chairman Yeoh Siew Beng and treasurer Ooi Ah Leng, Hean Boon Thean Deity Association chairman Teoh Soon Lee and Tang Hai Keong Deity Association chairman Jason Lim Yong Keat, representatives of Dato Kong Temple Reclamation Area & Ma Chor Temple Reclamation Area, and MPKK Pengkalan Kota chairperson Loo Soo Lee.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting