Wedding feast proceeds as scheduled despite groom feared drowned

MARANG (Bernama): "The wedding feast in conjunction with my daughter's wedding, scheduled for today (Dec 26), will proceed as many guests have been coming since 10am despite the groom’s absence," said Ismail Awang, 61.

The father of Fatin Nabilah Huda, 27, said his daughter was scheduled to marry Naim Hariri Kamaruddin, 31, at 10am on Saturday at the Kampung Surau Haji Mat Zin Mosque, Bukit Payung and the food would be served from noon to 4pm.

"However, the special moment was not to be because the groom, Naim Hariri was feared drowned while swimming at Kelulut beach late Friday (Dec 25) afternoon. My family and I can only accept what has happened as fate.

"The guests who came also expressed their condolences over this unexpected incident. Their presence has given us strength to face this test," he said when met by Bernama at his house in Kampung Surau Haji Mat Zin, Bukit Payung, here.

Ismail and his family appeared calm while attending to the guests who came to express sympathy upon learning about the suspected drowning incident.

All preparations such as the bridal dais and gifts had been beautifully decorated and even the wedding feast also complied with the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19 such as body temperature checks and recording the details of guests via the MySejahtera application.

Ismail said according to the plan, after the wedding ceremony, a similar one would be hosted by the groom's family in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 9.

"I had the opportunity to meet Naim Hariri when he came here to see the final preparations yesterday morning. I did not expect this (tragedy) to happen.

"We are deeply saddened as it happened just a day before the wedding ceremony. I hope my daughter will stay strong and hopefully, Naim Hariri can be found as soon as possible," he said.

As at 10am on Saturday, the search and rescue operation had not found him.- Bernama