Outpouring of grief over Adib’s death

PETALING JAYA: The nation is reeling in pain at losing young Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, the firefighter who was gravely hurt during the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple fracas about a month ago.

The 24-year-old died of his injuries at 9.41pm yesterday at the National Heart Institute (IJN), according to a Fire and Rescue Department spokesman.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad took to social media to express his deepest condolences and voice his sadness over Muham­mad Adib’s death.

“I am very sad to receive this news. May his soul be placed among the righteous. Takziah (condolences) to his family on his passing. Al-Fatihah,” he said.

Others who expressed their condolences included Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and other politicians.

There was a massive outpouring of grief from Malaysians on social media, who agonised over Muhammad Adib’s passing in reactions that ranged from shock to sorrow.

Ramond Jude said it was “so sad” as Muhammad Adib was in the prime of his life.

“I hope someone starts a donation drive for his family for all his sacrifices to the nation. My deepest condolences to his family,” he added.

Fuad Akmal also recalled how six divers from the department’s Water Rescue Unit died while trying to rescue a teen from a disused mining pool three months ago.

“Now, they lose Adib. Al-Fatihah,” he said.

Sean Tang Seng Kam said those responsible for his death should be brought to justice.

“He was so young, his life was just about to bloom! I really felt the loss of this young man. RIP, you will be remembered as a noble man forever,” he said.

Robert Teh echoed a similar sentiment, stating that the police and the courts should see to it that justice would be done.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” he said.

Christine Loo was devastated over the news: “Gosh, so sad and angry ... he was just an innocent fireman doing his duty.”

Another mourner was Sivambigai Sivanathan, who said she had earlier been “thanking the Lord” for news of Muhammad Adib’s recovery.

“RIP Adib. My heart reaches out to his would-be-wife. Losing someone you love and about to start a life with is heart-wrenching.

“So please stop racial comments and mourn wholeheartedly for this young hero’s demise.”

Shirley Ang thanked the firefighter for his courage in the line of duty.

“Go in peace now Adib. You are no longer in pain. Thank you for being brave. You may rest now.”

Margaret Mitchell said Malaysia had lost a young hero. “Justice for him. RIP our hero. Condolences to his family. We cry for him.”

Even non-Malaysians such as Onyekachukwu Ernest were heartbroken over the news.

“I am not a Malaysian, neither am I from Asia. I’m African but I feel so depressed reading this news at this hour. I have always followed updates about his health condition.”

On Sunday, IJN said Muhammad Adib’s condition was critical after he suffered progressive deterioration of his lung function for over 24 hours.

Muhammad Adib previously showed signs of improvement, re­gaining consciousness and able to move his eyes and hands.