MALACCA: The late Maria Baharin, 62, one of three in a family who were murdered Thursday, was hardworking and very dedicated, said Senator Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam.

Mohd Ali said that when he was director of the Malacca Department of Community Development (Kemas) in the 1970s, he saw how hardworking and dedicated she was as a social development officer and supervisor in the department.

“She did a lot developing the community besides being active in assisting the party (Umno), all for the sake of the people.

“Her father was a respected community leader. In fact, I used to go to her house while I was Paya Rumput assemblyman (elected in 1999) and Batu Berendam Member of Parliament (elected in 1995),” he told Bernama here Thursday night.

Maria and her husband Hassan Wahab, 70, and their son Mohammad Taufeq, 22, were killed in an “amok” incident in Kampung Bertam Malim here early Thursday.

Mohd Ali said the murder of Maria and her family was a cruel and inhumane act, and hoped that justice would be served.

“If it is true that it is due to the influence of drugs (for the murder), then stronger action must be taken to fight drug abuse. I am very sad and pray that the souls of those who died are blessed by Allah, my condolences to the family,” he said. – Bernama