SEGAMAT, Jan 6 — Former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist, Yai Ban King, 51, who died of lung cancer on Monday, was a humble and kind person.
Ban King’s mother, Tok Keem Sing, 74, said since childhood, her eldest son was an amiable fellow with a tolerant attitude and was not arrogant, besides being forthcoming in helping family members and relatives who were in trouble.
“Ban King told me that he missed me when he was away and very happy to come home. In a joking tone, he knew that all his pain would disappear when he saw my face,” she said when met at her residence here today.
Meanwhile, Ban King’s father, Yai Siu Tau, 78, said his son was a bright child since his schooling days and had reminded his three younger siblings to study hard to be useful people in the future.
“Ban King liked to read. His favourites were history books, not only on Malaysia but the world. He often advised all his siblings to protect the family’s name as well as the country’s image,” he said.
Ban King’s brother, Yai Ban Tat, 50 said his brother started having a cough around 2018 before being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and in the same year he underwent treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
“My family and I were very shocked, the most heartbreaking was that we were informed that Ban King’s cancer was already at the fourth stage. However, we tried and worked hard so my brother can recover faster. Then, we brought him to the Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka in 2019.
“At the hospital, he received radiotherapy and targeted therapy treatments, after which he could speak and walk. But, a year later, his condition worsened and he had to undergo chemotherapy. However, last Monday, he left us forever,” he added.
According to Ban Tat, Ban King’s remains were brought back to the family home on Tuesday and a cremation ceremony will be held at Nirvana Memorial Park, Jementah here, tomorrow.
Ban King began his career with Bernama on June 12, 1995, and served for 25 years before retiring due to health reasons last June.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency