FRU TRUCK CRASH: SPECIAL CHILD LOSES A BELOVED FATHER

TELUK INTAN, May 13 (Bernama) -- The fatal crash on Jalan Chikus–Sungai Lampam this morning that claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) members has left a deep impact not only on their colleagues, but also on their families - especially the young children they leave behind.

Among those killed was Sergeant Mohd Roslan Abd Rahim, whose death shattered the joy of his three children, particularly his eldest, 13-year-old Muhd Raqin Najmi, who has Down syndrome.

Mohd Roslan’s sister-in-law, who declined to be named, described him as a devoted father who shared a special bond with Muhd Raqin, as well as with his two other children aged nine and six.

“Raqin was very close to him. He always slept beside his father and loved spending time with him. I can’t imagine how he will cope when he realises that his father is truly gone,” she said when met at the Forensics Department of Teluk Intan Hospital.

Muhd Raqin, who was present with his mother at the hospital, appeared confused by the large crowd, mostly relatives and police officers — and may not have fully grasped the loss.

Mohd Roslan was the ninth victim confirmed dead at the Teluk Intan Hospital here after the accident between a loaded lorry and a  Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) truck carrying 15 personnel including the driver.

For Pandak Rompan, 71, the tragedy brought renewed heartbreak - less than a year after he lost a grandson to a heart attack. This time, the retired policeman is mourning his third son, Corporal Nurit Pandak, 34, one of the victims of the crash.

“I received the call at about 10 this morning while I was at home in Kampar. It was shocking and painful, but I have to remain strong,” he said.

Despite his grief, Pandak expressed pride in his son’s service to the country. “Nurit served over 10 years in the police force. He started in Cheras before being transferred to FRU Unit 5 in Sungai Senam, Ipoh.”

He remembered Nurit as a responsible and caring man who was close to his family and always cheerful.

Nurit’s remains will be buried at the Orang Asli Cemetery in Kampung Bukit Terang, Kampar, once the post-mortem is completed.

Sahal Zabri, 35, also lost a brother in the accident - Corporal Amiruddin Zabri, 38.

“Amiruddin started as a regular police officer before joining the FRU. We didn’t notice any strange behaviour from him recently, so this was a huge shock to us,” he said.

Amiruddin will be buried at the Kampung Sungai Itek Muslim Cemetery in Gopeng.

Earlier, Hilir Perak police chief ACP Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin confirmed that the nine victims from FRU Unit 5, Ipoh, died while their convoy was returning home after completing Wesak Day duties.

All the bodies were taken to Teluk Intan Hospital for post-mortem.

-- BERNAMA