Most devastating goodbye: Fatimah scattering flowers on the grave of her youngest child, Muhammad Ikram, after the burial at the Muslim cemetery at Masjid Ar Rahmah, Melele, Kodiang. — Bernama
KAMPAR: Muhamad Khairul Hakim Hamidi, 37, a senior assistant engineer with the Langkawi Public Works Department (JKR) who tragically lost his life in Friday’s water surge incident at Sungai Jahang in Gopeng, Perak, was remembered by his family as a helpful person.
His brother, Muhamad Nazri, 51, said that the youngest of six siblings was always devoted to their parents.
“What I remember most is his kindness in caring for our ailing mother until her passing two years ago. Our mother died on Nov 9; now, (Muhamad Khairul Hakim) passed away on Nov 15.
Muhamad Khairul Hakim“I’m deeply saddened as he was a diligent person who gave so much of himself to our family,” he said when met by Bernama at the Kampar Hospital Forensic Unit on Friday night.
Muhamad Nazri said his late brother, who was married with three children, had been with JKR for many years and was transferred to the Langkawi office two years ago.
His last conversation with his brother was two days ago when Muhamad Khairul Hakim informed him that he would be heading to the mainland for work.
During their conversation, Muhamad Khairul Hakim mentioned plans to invite him and another brother for a motorcycle convoy, a wish that will now remain unfulfilled.
Muhamad Khairul Hakim’s remains were taken back to their hometown in Kampung Bukit, Pokok Sena, Kedah, for burial.
He was one of three JKR officers who drowned during a water rafting activity in Sungai Jahang following a water surge incident at 5.50pm on Friday.
The other victims were Seberang Perai Tengah district engineer Suhaili Mat Saad, 47, and Langkawi JKR customer service officer Muhammad Ikram Abdul Bari, 29.
Fatimah Walad, 70, the mother of Muhammad Ikram, recalled that the youngest of four siblings was fond of water activities.
“He had a penchant for water activities. He even sent me pictures of the river (Sungai Jahang). I saw that the water level was really high and I told him to be cautious.
“This was totally unexpected but it was fated,” she said.
Muhammad Ikram, who had served in Langkawi for three years, leaves behind his wife Nur Afifah Amira Ahmad Fauzi, 29, and a son, Aisy Adani, aged one year and seven months, she added.
Muhammad Ikram.Kampar district officer Nazrul Fahmi Mohamad said all recreational and outdoor water sports activities involving rivers in the district have been suspended with immediate effect following the tragedy, which claimed three lives.
The suspension includes water rafting and water tubing activities.
“The Kampar District Disaster Management Committee has decided that all recreational and outdoor activities are to be halted until further notice from the authorities,” he said in a statement.
Acting Perak police chief Deputy Comm Zulkafli Sariaat, in another statement, said activities will be temporarily stopped with immediate effect.
“We advise the public and organisers to exercise caution during water activities and to remain vigilant of weather conditions before proceeding,” he said.
The water surge incident was believed to have been triggered by continuous heavy rain, which led to a sudden rise in the water level of Sungai Jahang, resulting in a boat carrying six passengers and a guide capsizing.
Kampar district police chief Supt Mohamad Nazri Daud told Bernama that police have recorded statements from 19 people to assist the investigation into the drowning case.
All the individuals whose statements were recorded were among the 22 participants in the team-building programme and the water sports operator representatives.
