'He was a good son-in-law': Family mourns FRU corporal killed in crash

New Straits Times

14-05-2025

PARIT BUNTAR: The remains of Corporal Muhamad Akmal Muhamad, 35, were laid to rest at the Islamic Cemetery of Masjid Al-Mubarak, Kampung Telok Pial, Kuala Kurau, at around 7.30am today.
Earlier, the late Muhamad Akmal was brought from Surau Ar-Rahman at the Hilir Perak district police headquarters to Unit 5 of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) base in Sungai Senam for a final honours ceremony.
His remains were then taken to his in-laws' house at 6.15am before being brought to the mosque at 6.45am for funeral prayers and burial.
More than 100 residents and family members were present, and a sombre atmosphere enveloped the cemetery as the body was lowered into the grave.
He is survived by his wife and two young children, aged six and two.
His father-in-law, Mohd Hadzri Nafiah, 79, said the last time he saw his son-in-law was during Aidilfitri, when Akmal had brought his wife and children back to the village.
Hadzri said he was informed of the incident at 9am yesterday when a neighbour came over and asked him to sit down, recite istighfar, and brace himself.
"After being told what had happened, I was stunned and asked, 'Is this news true?'
"My wife and I immediately called our daughter (Akmal's wife) to confirm what had happened.
"Once it was confirmed, I contacted Akmal's parents in Kelantan. After some discussion, we agreed to have the burial here, as it is closer than bringing the body back to Kelantan," he told reporters when met in Kampung Telok Pial, Kuala Kurau, last night.
He added that the deceased was a good son-in-law and a quiet person, but his wish to celebrate Hari Raya Haji in Kelantan this year was not to be.
Akmal was among nine FRU members who died in an accident involving a lorry carrying stones on Jalan Chikus – Sungai Lampam yesterday.
The other victims were Sergeant S. Perumal, 44; Sergeant Mohd Roslan Abd Rahim, 46; Corporal Mohd Pozli Jaudin, 41; Corporal Nurit Pandak, 34; Corporal Amiruddin Zabri, 38; Corporal Mohamad Hilmi Mohd Azlan, 38; Lance Corporal Damarrulan Abdul Latif, 33; and Constable Akmal Wafi Annuar, 28.
Nine other FRU members are currently receiving treatment at Teluk Intan Hospital.