Precious last moments with families

The Star

6 hours ago

Painful loss: Family members waiting to claim the remains of the UPSI students at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital. — Bernama
GERIK: Wan Nur Suhaila Wan Muhammad, one of the victims killed in the bus crash along the East-West Highway, had cooked a final meal for her family on the day she was scheduled to return to university.
Wan Muhammad Sham said his 22-year-old sister had prepared mee celup for the entire family on Sunday before she was to head back to Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Tanjung Malim, Perak, after spending the Aidiladha holidays at home.
'It was a rare occasion where all nine siblings were home in Jerteh. She was her usual cheerful and friendly self, and there was no sign that anything was amiss,' said Wan Muhammad, 31, when met at the Gerik Hospital Forensic Unit yesterday.
He said their mother informed the family of the accident around 3.30am and they rushed to the hospital.
Wan Muhammad said at first they had no details about her condition, and that it was only upon arrival that they were told she had died.
Dear sister: Nur Ainul Afiqah showing a photo of her late younger sister Nur Ainul Qistina. — Bernama
Wan Nur Suhaila was the sixth of nine siblings and a fourth-semester Literature student at UPSI.
Another victim, Muhammad Adib Hazim Halim, was known for his creative mind.
Muhammad Aiman Hazman, 32, said his younger brother presented their mother with a flower bouquet made out of money on Sunday for her birthday before heading back to UPSI.
'He was a very obedient sibling who always listened to our parents,' he told reporters at the Gerik Hospital mortuary.
Muhammad Adib Hazim was the sixth out of seven children, and hailed from Besut, Terengganu.
Before the family arrived at the hospital, they were unaware of Muhammad Adib Hazim's status.
'We did not know anything because there was no information. His name was not listed among those who had died, so we came here hoping there was still a chance.
Kind sibling: Muhammad Aiman Hazman described his late younger brother Muhammad Adib Hazim as an obedient person. — Bernama
'Then we got a call, and they asked us to go to the forensics unit to identify the body,' he said.
He said his brother would usually go back with the other siblings, but decided to take the bus instead that fateful night.
'The bus was supposed to depart at 10pm, but it ended up arriving by 9pm. That is why some social media posts went viral about people being left behind,' he said.
He added that his brother was passionate about reciting the Quran and had memorised it in full.