TATAU: Desmond Roy Peter, 10, an orphan who lost both parents in the recent express boat accident in Sg Anap Tatau and currently in Primary Four, will be given continuous assistance and support, especially on education.
Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datin Fatimah Abdullah said various programmes and assistance will be arranged for Desmond to ensure that he can carry on living life normally.
“As the minister concerned, we appreciate the decision and love showed by Desmond’s grandfather and aunty who want to keep him with them instead of giving him to the orphanage (Peryatim).
“We actually encouraged family members or relatives to be guardians. Because right now, the most important thing is the support from family members,” she said.
Fatimah was met by reporters at Tatau District Office yesterday.
According to her, while talking with Desmond’s grandfather earlier on, she has advised them to send him back to school because from there, more programmes and assistance can be arranged smoothly.
“Desmond’s education is priority and if he continues studying, the preparation for the next semester can be made early,” she said.
Fatimah added, they will get in touch with the school where Desmond is studying to prepare a special counselling session for him.
She stressed that the counselling session is crucial for children like Desmond, who had suddenly lost both parents at one time.
The tragedy might affect him emotionally and psychologically.
“We do hope the counselling teacher will conduct the necessary session for him. Such incident can cause a huge impact on adults, what more to say a small boy like him,” she said.
Desmond also qualified to get assistance from Kumpulan Wang Amanah Pelajar Miskin and Fatimah urged the school to apply to the ministry concerned for further action.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Welfare Department director Kendy Edward said Desmond will be given RM100 monthly assistance starting from November.
“In case his guardian cannot take the responsibility anymore, we will provide a place for him at our centre,” she said.
She pointed out that, placing him in the orphanage would be a last resort and if possible, the family members are the one who supposed to take care of his welfare.
Desmond’s father Peter Julan, 29, his mother Bremas Nyuweng, 26, and a little sister Sisa Peter, 3, were among the 13 victims who died in the boat tragedy.