KOTA KINABALU: Every year, 28-year-old Mohd Zuhairy Mohd Zaidy would make time to celebrate his birthday with his younger brother, Mohamad Zuhaikal.
The brothers shared the same birth date, Dec 7, and would usually mark the occasion together. However, this year will be a sombre one for Zuhairy, as he will be celebrating alone.
Zuhaikal, 20, was one of the five Institut Kemahiran Mara (IKM) Kota Kinabalu students killed when the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) they were travelling in collided with a lorry yesterday.
“This year will be different. I will be celebrating alone,” said Zuhairy when met at the Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQEI) Forensic Department today.
He described his brother as a family-oriented person who never troubled anyone and was passionate about the electrical field.
“He had big dreams to start his own business after completing his studies,” he said.
“The last time we spoke was on Aug 25 during a family video call. He was usually cheerful, but that day he was unusually quiet.
“Our aunt did most of the talking with him then. None of us realised it would be our final conversation.”
He said the family was informed about the tragedy by IKM lecturers before they rushed to Kota Kinabalu this morning.
“We accept this as fate, but I hope young drivers will be more careful on the roads. Avoid driving with emotions and do not speed,” he said.
Meanwhile, a sombre mood filled the hospital grounds as the bodies of the victims were taken to a hearse for burial in Tawau.
Friends who came to pay their last respects were seen in tears as the coffins were loaded into the vehicle.
It was reported yesterday that five Kota Kinabalu IKM students were killed in the accident on Jalan Sulaman, near the Rela Training Centre.
All victims, aged 19 and 20, succumbed to their injuries and died on the spot in the 2pm crash.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
