KUALA LUMPUR: Friends and neighbours of Sithu Hpone Maw, the Myanmar student who tragically died after falling from the 26th floor of a condominium in Taman Connaught here, have described him as kind, hardworking and humble — someone who was always willing to lend a hand.
Sithu, 20, was a second-year student at UCSI University. His classmate, Aung Min, said the news of his death had left many in shock.
“Initially, we thought he was just missing. It was only after a few days that we realised the person who fell from Block A was actually our friend, Sithu,” she said when met outside the university campus.
Aung Min remembered him as an intelligent and generous individual who was friendly to everyone and often helped classmates with their assignments.
“Most of us are still struggling to come to terms with it,” she added.
Jackie Chan, 34, a hostel manager who had overseen Sithu’s accommodation in earlier semesters, described him as a responsible student who frequently took up temporary jobs during the holidays.
“Even during a short two-week break, he’d ask me if there was any work he could do. He was very careful with his spending — never wasteful, always practical,” he said.
Chan said that Sithu had only moved into Angkasa Condominium four months ago, as the rent was slightly more affordable than the university’s hostel fees.
When asked if Sithu had been in any romantic relationship during his time at university, Chan replied: “Not that I’m aware of. But one thing’s certain — he was well liked by everyone.”
The tragedy unfolded on the morning of July 9, when police received a report of a fall from the 26th floor of Block A at Angkasa Condominium at 8.30am.
Cheras deputy police chief Superintendent Ridzuan Khalid said closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the scene confirmed that the victim had fallen from the unit.
A post-mortem conducted at the Forensic Department of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) concluded that the cause of death was consistent with injuries from a fall from height.
Sithu’s father, a 54-year-old businessman from Myanmar, later identified his son’s remains based on a distinctive birthmark on the left side of his waist. The family has confirmed that Sithu’s body will be repatriated to Myanmar on July 22.
One of Sithu’s neighbours, Iera Ariffin, 30, who lives on the same floor, recalled hearing disturbing sounds shortly before the fall.
“I heard loud noises — like someone crying and speaking at the same time — but I couldn’t make out the words. It went on for a few minutes. Then I heard a loud thud,” said Iera, who works as a sales executive.
“I didn’t know him personally, but I’d often see him come and go with his backpack. He always seemed polite and would nod when we passed each other,” she said.
The case was initially registered as a missing persons report after Sithu failed to attend classes. It was reclassified earlier this week following confirmation of his identity.
Ridzuan said the police were continuing their investigation and have so far recorded statements from five individuals, including friends, family members and an independent witness.
The case is currently classified as a Sudden Death Report (SDR), and the public has been urged not to speculate while investigations are ongoing.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
