AIDILFITRI JOY TURNS TO GRIEF FOR FAMILY OF SEWER TRAGEDY VICTIM

TAIPING, April 6 (Bernama) -- The sister of one of the victims who died after they were suspected of inhaling toxic fumes while performing cleaning work in a sewer at a new resort construction site in Kampung Ibol, Sumpitan, near Lenggong this morning, said she never expected this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri would be their last celebration together.

Nor Azimah Che Norallasahlilaputera, 36, who lives in Penang, said she celebrated Aidilfitri with her late younger brother, Mohd Suhaimi, 29, at their parents’ home in Kampung Sumpitan, Lenggong just a few days ago.

“Mohd Suhaimi was the youngest of seven siblings and lived with our parents in the village. He didn’t behave unusually or leave any messages for the family. Everyone was home to celebrate at our mother’s house,” she said when contacted tonight.

Nor Azimah said she last saw her brother this morning before he left for work, adding that she and her family would head to the Taiping Hospital's Forensics Department tomorrow morning to claim her brother’s body.

She said Mohd Suhaimi leaves behind a wife and a two-year-old son.

In the incident this morning, three men including Mohd Suhaimi and an Indonesian national lost their lives while performing cleaning work in the sewer.

Perak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the two local men, aged 29 and 37, died at the scene, while the Indonesian man was confirmed dead at the Gerik Hospital.

The remains of the two local victims were brought to the Taiping Hospital at 7.30 pm for post-mortems tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA