THE Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang has stepped forward to help the family of Malaysian Everest climber Muhammad Hawari Hashim.
The charity foundation has contributed financial assistance of RM25,000 to the family.
Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak handed out the mock cheque to Muhammad Hawari’s family at their home at Permatang Kerai Besar in Tasek Gelugor today.
A physically challenged climber, Muhammad Hawari, 33, an employee of the Penang State Museum for over 10 years, was reported missing on May 19 while making his descent from the summit of Mount Everest.
Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Rozali Mohamud said he hoped the financial assistance could be used to alleviate the family’s burden.
“The Penang Governor expressed his sadness over what happened to Muhammad Hawari and hoped his family would remain patient and persevere in facing this sad and trying period.
“Penang Governor has told me that Muhammad Hawari used to meet him at E&O Hotel before he went to the Mount Everest expedition.
“As soon as he found out about what happened to Muhammad Hawari, he felt very sad and instructed this Yayasan Amal to prepare some assistance for Muhammad Hawari’s family.
“The Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang was established to help Penangites in distress and the underprivileged. Many recipients have benefitted from the fund,” said Rozali, who was also present during Ahmad Fuzi’s visit today.
Also present were caretaker Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, caretaker state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, caretaker state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee and Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP) director Harry Chai Heng Hua.
Rozali said two food boxes and one food basket were also given to Muhammad Hawari’s family today.
“The food boxes and food basket contained some home essentials such as rice, flour, cooking oil, biscuit, sugar and others that were donated by other corporations to the Yayasan Amal to be given to Muhammad Hawari’s family,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar