KUCHING: The Sarawak government has stepped forward to help the family of navy personnel Joanna Felicia Rohna who perished in the helicopter collision at Lumut, Perak recently.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government has provided financial assistance of RM10,000 to her family.
He also said the state will cover the education cost of Joanna’s two children from primary school right up to university.
“Both of Joanna’s children will be registered with the Sarawak Foundation.
“The oldest child is still in kindergarten and when she goes to primary school, secondary school and to university, the Sarawak Foundation will cover her education expenses.
“Sarawak Foundation will cover both of the children’s expenses, who are now aged 1 and aged 4,” he said after visiting the family of the late Joanna at Tebakang, Serian on Sunday (Apr 28).
Abang Johari added that he had informed the family and the children’s father, Haslie Ali to register with Sarawak Foundation’s database.
“When their names are registered, we will engage until they enter tertiary level of education and hopefully the children can reach university, and maybe after that enter the navy.
“I feel that Joanna’s children carry a fighting spirit as well, because both the father and mother are from the navy,” he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari said he heard of the helicopter collision which claimed the lives of 10 navy personnel when he was away overseas on a work trip.
“We have lost a woman with a fighting spirit. On behalf of the Sarawak government, we sympathise over the loss of his (Haslie) wife, and the father who has lost a daughter and the two children who have lost a mother,” he said.
Also present during the visit were Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot, Kedup assemblyman Datuk Martin Ben, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus and Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang.
