"My siblings gave up their spots in UMK and UniSZA so they could work first. They told me, 'You study first, Kak. We'll support you. Then we'll take turns.'"
These were the emotional words of Nur Ain Najwa, as tears fell from the corner of her eyes.
Nur Ain Najwa is one of the victims in the tragic bus accident that took place in Tasik Banding, Gerak.
She's also an orphan - having list her father, who used to work as a car mechanic, several years ago. Her mother is currently ill an no longer able to work.
Despite their difficult circumstances, Ain's twin sibling made a selfless decision. They turned down offers from UMK and UniSZA so they could start working and support Ain's education instead.
"Cuba mohon MARA, tapi silap hantar borang hingga permohonan ditolak," she said. Their MARA application was rejected due to a submission error.
Their story caught the attention of MARA Chaiman, Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, during his visit to the victims at Hospital Gerik.
Moved by what he heard, he immediately gave Ain his personal contact number, promising to help the siblings through appropriate channels.
Nur Ain is currently recovering, but the emotional trauma still lingers.
She described how she can still hear the cries of pain from her friends – especially those seated on the left side of the bus where the impact was the worst.
Let us all pray for Nur Ain and all the victims of the crash. May they find healing and the strength to move forward.
To the families affected: Malaysia grieves with you.