GEORGE TOWN: The father of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) striker Muhammad Syafiq Ahmad, 25, has urged all quarters, particularly the media, to give his son time and space to overcome the challenges he is facing.
According to Ahmad Ibrahim, 56, Syafiq is not prepared to share his experience about the tragic fatal crash he was involved in on Sunday.
At present, he said his eldest child's focus is only on his wife Nur Amalina Norain, 25, who is still receiving treatment at the Seberang Jaya Hospital and daughter Aaira Nur Saffiya, 2.
"Many have contacted me, including the media, to speak to Syafiq. I am sorry, I can't allow that. Now is not the right time.
"My son's priority now is to give full attention to his wife's speedy recovery and at the same time, to bring back the spirit in her.
"As such, I appeal to all to pray that Syafiq will remain strong and steadfast in facing a difficult period in his life," he said.
Asked on Syafiq's condition, Ahmad said the eldest of four siblings is calmer and more positive now.
He said Syafiq even told him he had accepted what happened as a test from Allah.
"Externally, Syafiq seems calm, but as a father, I know what he is feeling deep inside, and he is trying his best to control the pain.
"What more, he needs to remain strong for his wife, who is even more affected with the loss of their 22-day-old son and her mother," he added.
The accident at the North-South Expressway (NSE) here claimed the lives of Syafiq's newborn son, Muhammad Aisy Saqeef; mother-in-law, Zainab Wahab, 45; and Indonesian helper Titik Sukamti, 42.
Syafiq and Aaira Nur Saffiyya escaped with minor injuries, while Nur Amalina was seriously injured.
They were on their way to Nur Amalina's family home in Pendang, Kedah for the rest of her confinement after giving birth on Nov 14 when the crash occurred.
Yesterday, Aaira Nur Saffiyya was discharged from the Seberang Jaya Hospital.
Nur Amalina was reported to be in a stable condition.