Elmina crash: Hafiz continues to help his family even after his passing
NURUL HIDAYAH HAMID
SUNGAI PETANI - Muhamad Hafiz Muhamad Saleh continues to serve his family even after his death in a plane crash incident in Elmina, Shah Alam, on Aug 17.
His father, Muhamad Saleh Othman, 57, said that the eldest of five siblings was indeed a responsible person who put his family first.
Saleh said that his late son still continues to fulfil his responsibility towards his parents, as he and his wife received monthly benefits from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) upon Hafiz's demise.
"He's just like that, and that's why he didn't get married up until the age of 32 because he was responsible. He put his family first. That's his nature.
"What he did is an example to his younger siblings," he told reporters at the Perkeso benefit presentation for Hafiz, the food delivery rider at Taman Sidam Kiri here today.
He said that his family had accepted their fate even though their hearts are still struggling to move on from Hafiz's passing.
"It (Hafiz's passing) is really impactful. After this past week, it's getting a little easier, but it might take some time to forget the Hafiz," he said.
He said the loss will be replaced by two grandchildren, who will be born in October and November.
"(Allah SWT) will replace it with two grandchildren who will be the cure for the absence of my son," he said.
Saleh is planning to use the money received to hold a tahlil ceremony for Hafiz as well as pay off any outstanding debts.
"Thank you to all the parties involved, including Perkeso, who has helped us after our son's passing," he said.
Hafiz's younger sister, Norhikmah, 26, said that her eldest brother was a strict person but was very close to family members, including herself.
"Because of that, we had always respected, listened to, and made the eldest brother a source of guidance for anything," he said.
Meanwhile, Perkeso group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said that Hafiz's family will receive a pension of RM1,894.75 and a funeral expenses benefit of RM2,000 from Perkeso.
Azman said that the payment will start from the date of Hafiz's death through two provisions of the Social Protection Act.
He said that Hafiz has a record of contributions through the Employee Social Security Scheme (SKSP) while working in a logistics company under Act 4, with the last time in June 2021 and the second record through Act 789 since May 10, 2021, under the government's initiative.
"The victim died while contributing under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme, entitling him to receive a benefit of RM1,116.
"Apart from that, Perkeso's review found that Hafiz is also eligible for RM778.75 in retirement pension, with the last contribution recorded in June 2021 while working at a logistics company," he said.
Previously, Azman, together with Perkeso Prihatin Squad, visited the next of kin to hand over RM2,000 in funeral benefits.
In the same update, he also said that only 29.8 per or 208,818 out of a total of 700,704 food delivery and transportation partners, are actively contributing through Act 789 as of Aug 22.
According to him, Perkeso has approved 3,112 cases of Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) benefit claims involving a total value of RM16.98 million for the period between January and August 2023, compared to 4,383 cases with a payment of RM14.3 million throughout last year.
"Through SPS Contribution Matching Programme, the government has financed 80 per cent of the SKSPS contribution for Contribution Plan 2, amounting to RM186.20, while Self-Employed People (OBS) only have to pay the remaining 20 per cent or RM46.60.
"This funding match completes the SKSPS Contribution Plan 2 payment amounting to RM232.80 to obtain self-employment social security protection for 12 months," he said.
On Aug 17, Hafiz, who was a food delivery man, was among the 10 victims who died in the Elmina crash.
