KUCHING: Counselling services will be offered to the family members of Nurul Asikin Lan, who is believed to have been murdered, should they require such help.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said such services are typically offered, but willingness on the part of family members needs to be considered.
“We’re waiting …we’ll allow a cooling period for them first,” she said.
“Usually, for cases like this, we offer counselling services. But it depends on the family’s decision. If they feel it’s not necessary, we will respect their choice.”
She made these remarks after visiting and presenting a death benefit contribution to the family of the late Nurul at Darul Hana Housing here today (Dec 15).
Nancy also urged the public not to easily trust unknown individuals and to be more vigilant in safeguarding both their own safety and that of their families.
“This is a sad matter because we are increasingly hearing of such incidents happening. I hope that we all continue to take care of our personal and family safety,” she said.
Nancy presented two forms of assistance to the victim’s family, including the National Welfare Foundation Assistance and a death benefit contribution under the auspices of her parliamentary constituency .
According to reports, Nurul, 28, was reported missing after going out with a man she had recently met on Dec 5.
Her family’s attempts to contact her were unsuccessful, leading to a police report being filed. Tragically, her body was discovered yesterday (Dec 14).
Meanwhile, the victim’s father, Lan Endor, 53, described his daughter as a cheerful person who was obedient to her parents.
“She was always cheerful in the family. If she wanted to go out, she would inform her mother before leaving.
“We would just remind her not to come home too late because she had to work early the next day. That was the only message we would give her before she went out,” he said.
Lan expressed his hope that a fitting punishment would be handed to the perpetrator who took the life of his eldest daughter.
On Saturday, Kuching District Police Chief Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah confirmed that a team from the Criminal Investigation Department had arrested a 23-year-old local man suspected of involvement in a murder case.
A seven-day remand order on the suspect has been obtained to facilitate further investigations.
