By Karen Bong and Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 16: “Where there is a will, there is a way” aptly describes the determination of Kelly Jhon, an aunt of the three children of the electrocuted Sarawakian couple, who has vowed to keep them together under her care.
Damian Senin, 46 and Ronwina Mambai, 35, who passed away in an electrocution accident at Cameron Highlands, left behind three children Elisa Olivia, 10; Joseph Rayyan, 8; and Magdalena, 2.
They will be under the care of Ronwina’s brother Robert Adi and his wife Kelly who themselves have three children.
“We will definitely keep them together, they won’t be separated. They are also our children.
“We will cope no matter what. If people like us were able to do so back in the day, there is no reason we cannot today,” she told reporters upon arrival at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) today.
Robert and Kelly flew to Kuala Lumpur immediately after receiving the news of the tragic accident on March 10 and they brought the children home today.
When asked if the children are aware of what had happened to their parents, Kelly said they have yet to sit down and talk to them about it, fearing that they are still too traumatised.
“I haven’t asked them about it because I think it is still not the time yet because they are still quite traumatised.
“Furthermore, the eldest daughter has been caring for her young sister. It is really heartbreaking. We will try to make them understand in time,” she said.
On the tragic accident that killed their loved ones, both Kelly and Ronwina’s sister Poly Pandong said they were shocked when receiving the news “as if being hit hard by something”.
“That instance, their children came to our minds.
“It happened in the morning at like 9am, and after we heard of it, we immediately flew to Kuala Lumpur that night and went straight to Cameron Highlands,” Kelly added.
Damian of Kampung Daha Kisau in Serian and his wife Ronwina from Kampung Ruan Lubang Tiung in Simunjan were found dead in a bathroom of a flat in Taman Tringkap, Brinchang in Cameron Highlands on March 10.
Preliminary investigations found burn marks on Ronwina’s palm, who was believed to have been electrocuted when she went to help her husband who was showering using the water heater at the time.
Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Buda, Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) deputy president Dr Charlie Ungang as well as officers from the Ministry of Welfare Department were present at the airport to receive and to provide all necessary assistance to the family. — DayakDaily
