PASIR MAS: The emotional well-being of Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi's three children remains fragile, especially for her six-year-old son.
Her husband, Mohd Yusof Mokhtar, 35, said that his son often appeared lost in thought and occasionally called out for his mother.
"I tell the children that Mama has gone far away because Allah loves her and encourages them to pray for her," he said when met at his home in Kampung Kubang Badak.
"Sometimes they seem okay, but there are moments when they are deeply affected, particularly our second child, who was the closest to her."
Mohd Yusof is focused on raising his children – Naura Auni, 9; Naufal Amzal, 6; and Nayla Aisya, 4 – while expressing his gratitude for the support and donations the family has received.
Earlier, Mohd Yusof received a visit from Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek who also gave donations to the family of the deceased.
"I am thankful for the assistance from various parties. I will remain in Kelantan for a while to resolve certain matters before returning to Johor. The children will also receive counselling services from the social welfare department in Johor," he said.
Istiqomah's remains were laid to rest at the Kampung Kubang Badak cemetery at around midnight last night.
The 33-year-old teacher from SK Kota Masai 3 was reported missing after failing to return home from work on Dec 26, 2023.
Earlier this year, a dismembered body found in a dumpster along the Alor Gajah-Tampin trunk road was identified as Istiqomah through DNA analysis. Following this, a suspect was arrested on Aug 5 in Chemor, Perak.
Yesterday, (Aug 19), former teacher and foreign currency trader Mohd Fadzly Ariffadzilah was charged with Istiqomah's murder at the Alor Gajah magistrate's court. No plea was recorded, as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.