GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Welfare Department is committed to providing continuous counselling support to the family of a teacher who slit his wife’s throat with a kitchen knife before turning the weapon on himself in Taman Tunas Muda, Sungai Ara, here recently.
State Welfare Department director Rozita Ibrahim, however, said the family was still deeply traumatised and had requested some time and space before accepting the assistance.
“The initial response from authorities was swift. We even went to visit the family a day after the incident.
“Despite this, the family appears hesitant, but has not outrightly rejected the counselling services.
“The family has requested we give them space. Counselling cannot be forced upon anyone, especially when they are under significant stress,” she told newsmen here today.
Rozita said she would continue to offer support and be ready whenever they are willing to accept it.
“It is important to respect the family’s wishes during this difficult time, while maintaining open lines for ongoing assistance,” she added.
Last Saturday, a teacher who slit his wife’s throat with a kitchen knife in an incident at Taman Tunas Muda, Sungai Ara, was remanded for six days.
The remand order, which expires tomorrow, was issued by magistrate Zaireen Zainudin at the Balik Pulau court following an application by the police.
The remand was granted to allow police to investigate the case for attempted murder.
It was reported that the teacher was facing pressure from a bank loan and “buy now, pay later” scheme instalments incurred by his wife, which is believed to have sparked a fight that led to the attack.
Police and family members have described the couple’s relationship as “harmonious” before the incident.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
