Unforeseen danger: Police forensics examining the scene where the six-year-old child died after getting trapped between the legs of a folding table.
NIBONG TEBAL: It was a sad new year for the family of little Nur Aqifah Humaira Abdullah who died after her neck got trapped in the legs of a collapsible table at home.
The tragedy was particularly poignant for the six-year-old’s family following the loss of her father two years ago.
The child’s Indonesian mother, Rianafitri Asih, 38, said she could still hear the soft voice of her daughter pining for her late father.
“She always said she missed her dad ... I did not realise that meant she would leave us forever,” the grieving mum told reporters after the girl was buried at Masjid Al Islah Cemetery in Permatang Tok Mahat here yesterday.
The widow said her husband died of a heart attack in 2023.
Rianafitri said her deceased daughter had told her that she almost forgot how her father looked until her memory was refreshed when she saw a photo of him.
The mother of three has accepted her youngest child’s passing.
She described Nur Aqifah as a cheerful, expressive kid who loved taking selfies and playing with her siblings.
Rianafitri, who works as a cleaner, said the freak accident was shocking as she had never left the child alone at home.
“I would take her with me to work after she returned from school,” she added.
Yesterday, a solemn mood was palpable as some 30 family members attended the girl’s funeral at the Muslim burial site at about 2pm.
Nur Aqifah is believed to have suffered from cerebral edema due to asphyxia when her neck got caught in the legs of a collapsible table at their Taman Seri Putera house on the Penang mainland.
Her condition was caused by an intense pressure in her skull that led to a build-up of fluid.
The six-year-old is said to have been playing alone in the compound outside her home when tragedy struck, so it was not known how she had gotten her neck trapped in the folding table.
Other family members in the house only sensed something amiss when it got “too quiet” outside.
The oldest brother found her in that state at 4.15pm on New Year’s Day before their mother rushed her to Hospital Parit Buntar.
The girl was pronounced dead at 12.30am yesterday, said South Seberang Perai OCPD Supt Chong Boo Khim. Following a post-mortem, the police ascertained that there was no foul play.
“We advise all parents and guardians to never leave their children unsupervised. Always ensure their safety whether at home or in public places,” said Supt Chong.
The case is being investigated under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001, a law protecting children from child neglect.
It is an offence to abandon or neglect a child, or to expose the young one to danger or cause physical or emotional injury to them.
Offenders face a jail term of up to 20 years, a fine of up to RM50,000 or both, upon conviction.
