Three orphaned after mother killed in accident

JOHOR BARU: Three children were orphaned after their widowed mother died in an accident on Jan 5, involving a lorry and a multi-purpose vehicle at Km86 of Jalan Johor Baru-Air Hitam.

Widiani Afendi, 39, who was seated in the MPV's passenger cabin, died on the spot, while eight others, including an infant, were injured.

Widiani's brother, Mohamad Nor Faiz Afendi, 30, said his sister was eager to see her youngest son's first day of school. She had three children - Muhammad Affan, 16; Nur Syakira, 13; and Muhammad Arfan, 7. They lost their father, an air force officer, at a very young age, Faiz said.

"Her youngest son, Arfan, was especially close to his mother. She had planned for a joyous start to the new school year. She purchased school uniforms for her three children, including Arfan, who was about to start Year 1. She was excited, but now she is gone," he said.

The children were in the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) when the lorry driver lost control and veered into the MPV's path, crashing into its right side. The impact caused it to skid and spin several times. Fortunately, they survived the crash with minor injuries. Faiz said the loss of Widiani has left them with an emotional void.

"Arfan is devastated. He was very close to his mother, and now he feels her absence deeply. The children are now under my care," he said.

He has taken on the responsibility of raising them, supported by his elderly parents. The family struggles to make ends meet, relying on their small food stall business for income. The tragic loss has left the family in need of financial support. Faiz has yet to apply for the Johor Islamic Religious Council or the Welfare Department's available financial aid, as he is uncertain about the process.

"I haven't figured out how to apply for assistance yet," he said.

Widiani was a Tabika Kemas staff member, and her social security contributions were insufficient to provide for her children's future, while her late husband's pension is still in the process of being transferred to the children.