Kuala terengganu: The family of former Malaysia Games (SUKMA) weightlifting athlete Siti Noralyaa Mat Marzuki, who died last Saturday from breast cancer, has received survivor’s pension benefits from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PERKESO Terengganu director Suhara Mustaffa stated that the late athlete’s parents and four younger siblings, aged between eight and 16, will receive a cumulative monthly pension of RM897 starting next month. Additionally, the family received RM3,000 in funeral management assistance under PERKESO’s social protection scheme.

Suhara Mustaffa mentioned, ‘PERKESO remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Terengganu athletes. Over the past two years, we’ve supported 25 athletes undergoing rehabilitation, including two Terengganu FC (TFC) players still receiving treatment at the PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre,’ during a visit to the family home in Taman Batin Perdana today. Also present were Terengganu Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim and Terengganu State Sports Council (MSNT) director Ahmad Shahrizal Yahaya.

Meanwhile, the late athlete’s mother, Rusmailaili Samsuri, 43, expressed that the assistance has helped ease the family’s burden as they cope with their loss. She revealed that her daughter, the eldest of five siblings, was a key contributor to the household, especially in covering her siblings’ education expenses.

Rusmailaili shared, ‘After leaving MSNT, she worked at a petrol station to help support the family. My husband works as a bread delivery driver and I’m a full-time homemaker. She was a good daughter. Most of her salary was spent on daily necessities and school supplies for her siblings.’

Siti Noralyaa passed away at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) after a month-long illness.