JEMPOL: Two siblings became orphans when their parents died just two weeks apart after contracting Covid-19.
Mohammad Syahmil Sabiha, 12, and sister Nurhaniesya, 8, now live with their grandmother, Salmah Abdol, 69, at Felda Palong 7.
Their mother, Hazliza Hassan, 38, died on June 14 at Jempol Hospital, while their father, Sabiha Ibrahim, 38, died on June 28 at Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital in Kuala Pilah.
Mohammad Syahmil said he would always remember his father's last words to him just before he was put in induced coma.
"Papa told me to take care of my sister and grandmother, and to recite the al-Fatihah if I missed him and Mama. My sister and I look at their photos and hug their clothes tightly to alleviate our sense of loss.
"Although we are sad, we have to learn to accept this," he said when met today.
Salmah said she never imagined losing both her daughter and son-in-law to the Covid-19 virus.
"Hazliza had diabetes, hypertension and kidney problems while my son-in-law was asthmatic. My daughter has been going to Jempol Hospital for check-ups. Suddenly, one day she had difficulty breathing."
Salmah said her daughter was taken to the hospital but died.
She added that the family went for swab tests and when all were found positive, they were sent to the Kuala Pilah Covid-19 quarantine centre.
"My son-in-law's condition deteriorated and had to be sent to hospital. He was put in an induced coma but died three days later."