JOHOR BARU: The children of murdered teacher Istiqomah Ahmad Rozi will undergo counselling sessions to ensure they receive psychological support.
State Women's Development, Family, and Community Committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail said the sessions, organised by the Welfare Department, are part of the state government's efforts to provide mental support for the children and help them develop healthy ways to cope with the grief of losing their mother.
Khairin-Nisa visited the victim's husband, parents, and children at the family home in Pasir Gudang yesterday. She was accompanied by State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin, Tiram assemblyman Azizul Bachok, State Social Welfare Department deputy director Zai Bajuri and the department's assistant psychology officer Mohd Sabree Mohd Salleh, as well as Pasir Gudang district Education officer Kartini Sahirin.
She described the visit as heart-wrenching, as the victim's parents, husband, and two of her three children recounted the tragedy and shared their profound grief.
Earlier, the victim's husband, Mohd Yusof Mokhtar, 35, reported that their three children—aged four, six, and nine—seemed to be struggling to accept the news of their mother's passing.
Although they appeared to cope in front of him, he was concerned that they might be hiding their emotions at school. He said that his six-year-old son had been particularly upset and missed his mother dearly.
Khairin-Nisa emphasised that children who have experienced the traumatic loss of a parent, especially under such brutal circumstances, require specialised and comprehensive counselling support to navigate future challenges.
The counselling sessions are designed to help them process the trauma, cope with grief, and build resilience.
"The sessions will be tailored to the children's needs to help them manage post-traumatic stress and develop coping mechanisms," she said.
"The Welfare Department's psychologists will begin the sessions immediately, and the family has agreed to and welcomed our efforts."
She also advised Yusof to contact the psychologists if his children exhibited any symptoms outside of the sessions.
"I want to remind everyone that mental health is crucial, and it's important to overcome outdated stigmas and seek help from a psychologist. There is no shame in prioritising your well-being. Those who suspect minors are experiencing psychological issues should contact the Welfare Department immediately," she added.
Istiqomah's dismembered body was found on Dec 31 last year, after she was reported missing on Christmas Eve.
On Aug 12, Alor Gajah police chief Superintendent Ashari Abu Samah confirmed that the headless, dismembered body found in a rubbish bin was that of the 33-year-old teacher.