Man dies on first day at work after backhoe plunges on him

MELAKA: A 29-year-old man has died on his first day of operating a backhoe, after the machinery plunged and pinned him.

Alor Gajah OCPD Supt Arshad Abu identified the victim as Muhamad Sabirin Umar from Jalan Parit Cina Bukit Pulau here.

He said the victim started work on Monday (June 21) as a backhoe operator before the incident occurred at 4.45pm along a muddy stretch at Jalan Solok Air Besar, Kampung Brisu, here.

"The victim was unemployed for some time after losing his previous job due to Covid-19.

"He just reported to his new job this morning, but unfortunately succumbed to severe head injuries in the incident," he said on Monday.

Supt Arshad said the victim was carrying out earthwork on an agricultural plot at the site when the backhoe landed on its side, causing the victim to be pinned under the cabin roof.

He said rescuers from the Alor Gajah Fire and Rescue Department managed to retrieve the victim from under the overturned machinery.

Supt Arshad said the victim has a one-year-old son.

"We have categorised the incident as sudden death," he added.