A family in Kluang is facing a second tragedy in less than a year after their youngest son died in a fall from Victoria Bridge in Perak. The three-year-old boy, Abdul Rafee, fell about five metres from the bridge while visiting the site with his father, Abd Halim, on Monday. Abd Halim, 42, said the family was still coping with the loss of their eldest daughter, who died last year at the age of 16 after a four-month battle with an undiagnosed illness.
He expressed his grief, stating that they are still grieving the loss of their eldest child and now have lost their youngest son too. The family had taken a holiday to Perak during the National Day celebrations, and Abdul Rafee was excited about the trip. Abd Halim recalled that his son was always full of laughter and brought joy to the family.
He also remembered that Abdul Rafee loved chicken rice, which was unusual for him as he normally only ate rice with soup. The incident occurred when Abd Halim was walking with Abdul Rafee on the bridge, and the boy stepped on a rotten piece of wood, causing his hand to slip from his father's grasp. Abd Halim hopes that the public will not blame him and his wife, saying they did their best to care for and ensure the safety of their children.
Abdul Rafee was laid to rest at the Kampung Baru Muslim Cemetery at 1 am yesterday. The Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council has closed public access to the iron structure of the Victoria Bridge as a safety measure following the incident. The Victoria Bridge, which is over 125 years old, has been a popular tourist attraction in Perak.
Abd Halim hopes that the authorities will conduct regular inspections and maintenance at tourist attractions, particularly those involving old structures, to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The family's tragic loss has raised concerns about the safety of old bridges and tourist attractions in Malaysia. It is essential for the authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of visitors and prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The family's loss is a reminder of the importance of ensuring safety and taking necessary precautions when visiting tourist attractions, especially those with old structures. As the family mourns the loss of their youngest son, they are also remembering the happy moments they shared with him. Abd Halim said that they will always cherish the memories of Abdul Rafee's laughter and his love for chicken rice.
The incident has also raised questions about the maintenance and inspection of old bridges and tourist attractions in Malaysia. The authorities must take immediate action to address these concerns and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
