Families struggling to come to terms with tragedy

KUCHING: Rajuma Saini recalled sharing a grilled fish meal with his 34-year-old son-in-law, Mohammad Ikhmal Sama’ail, just two days before the boat capsize on Friday (Oct 18).

Rajuma said they last saw each other on Wednesday (Oct 16) when Ikhmal invited him and his wife for dinner at his home.

“He brought us grilled fish, and we ate together at his house. There was nothing unusual that day; everything seemed normal.

“He was always cheerful and friendly, someone who could mingle with anyone. No one ever had any issues with him,” he recalled.

Ikhmal, said Rajuma, who had previously worked as an auxiliary police officer in Bintulu before returning to Beladin, was known for his dedication to his job.

“He loved working with his hands, always fixing things around the house. Even after a long day at work, he would find time to repair something,” he added.

His sudden death has left a deep void in the family, especially his wife, 34, and their young children. The family, who lived just next door to Rajuma, is struggling to cope with the tragedy.

“We still can’t believe this has happened. Ikhmal was such a responsible and loving man, especially towards his family,” he added.

Ridzuan speaks during an interview

Meanwhile, Mohd Ridzuan Aban, 64, from Kampung Rebak, Asajaya, is grappling with the sudden disappearance of his 23-year-old nephew, Mohd Khairul Kasturi.

Ridzuan said that Khairul, who was just starting to get involved in the sport, had no prior experience with boats or the sea, making his family deeply shocked by the tragic event.

“He wasn’t very talkative with family but had a good sense of humour when he joked around. He was cheerful and very responsible,” Ridzuan shared.

The family has recently suffered another tragedy, as Khairul’s mother passed away just 20 days before this incident.

“It has been incredibly difficult for us,” Ridzuan said.

He was informed about the accident late, only hearing about it close to Maghrib prayers.

“At first, I didn’t believe it. I heard from relatives that Khairul was one of the victims in the boat capsize. I was shocked,” he said.

One of the most surprising aspects for Ridzuan was that Khairul had no history of boating or swimming.

“He wasn’t familiar with the sea, which is why I was so shocked when I heard he was joining the regatta. He couldn’t even swim. This was his first time participating, and it was only his third day of training when the accident happened. If I had known he was going to join, I would have advised him against it,” he explained.

Khairul had just got engaged the previous Sunday and was planning his future with his fiancée, though the wedding date had not been set yet.

His fiancée, known as Wawa, had known Khairul since their school days.

Wawa, the eldest of two siblings, was in shock and fainted upon hearing the news. She was rushed to the emergency ward at Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) yesterday afternoon.

“Wawa was so devastated that she clung to Khairul’s clothes, refusing to leave the hospital. She had to be coaxed into going home.

“We can only pray for a miracle and hope for the best. Whatever happens is Allah’s will, and we must accept it,” Ridzuan said, his voice heavy with emotion.