Technician in fatal Gunung Machinchang fall sought career change after 20 years, says brother

ALOR SETAR: The technician who tragically fell to his death while working on repairs at the Eagle’s Nest Skywalk, Gunung Machinchang in Langkawi, had recently transitioned to a new job after two decades at Langkawi International Airport.

The victim's eldest brother, Khairil Ajhar Jaafar, 47, shared that his brother, Khairul Nizam, 41, had been in his new role for only three months.

"I learned about the fall at around 2pm yesterday when my mother, Kasyah Hashim, 72, informed me that Khairul Nizam had fallen during work.

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"Initially, I thought it was a minor fall, not expecting it to be from such a height," he said at the forensics department of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital on Friday (Oct 4).

"This incident is a huge shock for all of us. He was hardworking and friendly, and his sudden loss is devastating," he added.

Khairil Ajhar said that Khairul Nizam's last communication with family was a WhatsApp message celebrating a family member's birthday last week.

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Khairul Nizam leaves behind his wife, Zunirah Othman, 36, and three children, aged 17, 16, and 10 years old.

"He will be laid to rest at the Masjid Rafeah cemetery, Taman Uda, after the autopsy today," Khairil added.

Khairul Nizam's fall occurred at 12.15pm while he was conducting repairs at the tourist site at Gunung Machinchang. – Bernama