What was supposed to be a normal morning for a family in Samarahan, Sarawak, turned into a tragedy when a 12-year-old boy was killed by a crocodile while fishing at a river near his home.
Before his death, he had said something to his mother that now haunts the family.
Final words
As reported by Berita Harian, the boy’s father, Mohammad Tinggal Ali, said his son, Arif Fahmi Aiman Mohd Tinggal, had told his mother the following words before leaving home to go fishing at Kampung Empila, Samarahan on the morning of Sept 14:
Kitak sik sayang kamek lagikah?” (Don’t you love me anymore?)
Mohammad said there was no quarrel between Arif and his mother, so the remark puzzled them even more.
Arif, who was alone in his small boat, was casting his fishing net when a witness — another man fishing nearby, heard his screams. When the witness turned to look, the boy was already gone.
A search and rescue team later found Arif’s body at 9.50am, about two hours after the attack.
His shirt had caught on an anchor used by the rescuers, and the net was still tied to his arm when they pulled him from the water.
‘Loved fishing more than gadgets’
While others were busy with gadgets, Mohammad said Arif loved fishing and casting nets , where he started out fishing at irrigation canals before taking up net casting last year.
Arif was so passionate about the hobby that he bought five nets using the money he earned from selling prawns he caught. Two more were later gifted to him by Mohammad, bringing the total number to seven.
I was always worried because the river is known for crocodiles. Even I wouldn’t go into the water so early in the morning, but he was never afraid,” Mohammad said.
Mohammad also revealed that Arif had been looking forward to completing his khatam al-Quran by the end of the year.
His outfit for the ceremony had already been prepared, but fate had other plans.
We loved him so much. But Allah loves him more,” his grieving father said.
Our deepest condolences to the family during this heartbreaking time. May young Arif rest in peace, and may his loved ones find strength and comfort in the days ahead.
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