SUNGAI PETANI – A heartbreaking scene unfolded at the Islamic Cemetery of Al Abidi Mosque in Merbok on Monday when a family of five, who perished in a devastating road accident, were laid to rest in a single grave.
The victims were among six people killed in a collision involving a Proton X50 sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a lorry carrying soil at Kampung Baru Pinang Tunggal here on Sunday afternoon.
The deceased were identified as Ahmad Shafiq Ahmad Shukri, 29, his wife Jamaliah Sannusi, 29, their two-month-old son Ahmad Mikail Ahmad Shukri, Ahmad Shafiq’s mother Nora Mohd Husin, 55, and his younger brother Ahmad Fahim Ahmad Sukri, 21. Their remains were buried together at approximately 10am at the Al Abidi Mosque Islamic Cemetery.
The family members were laid to rest near the grave of Ahmad Shafiq’s father, Ahmad Shukri Osman, who passed away in February 2024. The tragedy has deeply affected relatives and members of the local community, many of whom gathered to pay their final respects.
More than 300 family members, friends, relatives and police officers from the Kuala Muda District Police Headquarters attended the funeral ceremony. Among those present was Kuala Muda District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan.
A somber atmosphere filled the cemetery as grieving family members struggled to hold back their emotions during the burial. Tears flowed freely as Nora’s children and relatives bid their final farewell while performing the final rites at the graveside.
Earlier in the morning, the remains were transported from the Forensic Department of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar to Al Abidi Mosque in Merbok. Funeral prayers were conducted before the burial process began.
In the same accident, another child of Ahmad Shafiq, three-year-old Aulia Sofea Ahmad Shafiq, survived but sustained serious injuries. She is currently receiving treatment at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital.
Meanwhile, seven-year-old Iskandar Arfan Ibrahim, who was also killed in the crash, was buried separately at the Permatang Kuang Mosque Islamic Cemetery in Penaga, Penang, at around 2am.
According to reports, the accident occurred at approximately 3.45pm on Sunday. The victims were travelling in a newly purchased vehicle belonging to Ahmad Fahim. The family was reportedly on their way to Merbok to visit the grave of Ahmad Shafiq’s late father when the tragic collision took place.
The incident has sparked widespread sympathy across the country, with many Malaysians expressing their condolences to the bereaved family. The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change and highlights the importance of road safety for all road users.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the accident.
