Kuala Krai: Two Orang Asli siblings were found drowned in Sungai Gilat, Kampung Lubok Kawah, Kuala Krai. The brothers were known for being close-knit and diligent in assisting their family.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victim’s father, Rantau Atan, 45, shared that his sons had been helping him on an oil palm plantation in Rompin, Pahang since they were young. They had also worked for over a year tending to a watermelon crop in Kuala Krai. “They are good children and since they were young they have been willing to work to support the family,” he said.
Rantau was in shock upon receiving the news of their drowning, as both sons were known to be good swimmers. He speculated that they might have been caught off guard by the river’s strong current and whirlpool. He recounted this to reporters at the Machang Hospital Forensic Medicine Unit, where he was identifying the body of his eldest son, Irruwan Rantau, 18. He then proceeded to Tanah Merah Hospital with his father-in-law and friends to identify his youngest son, Rahidi Rantau, 16.
Despite the tragedy, Rantau has accepted the loss of his children and is relieved that their bodies were recovered quickly. He expressed his grief, noting the previous loss of three daughters to road accidents and illness. Now, with Rahidi and Irruwan also gone, he and his wife, Noriah Hamzah, 30, are left to mourn the loss of all five of their children.
The bodies of the brothers will be transported back to their hometown in Kampung Deraman, Rompin, Pahang for burial after the post-mortem examinations are completed.
Bernama reported that the bodies were discovered in two separate locations: Pengkalan Pasir, Paloh Rawa, Machang, and Pengkalan Pasir, Bukit Panau, Tanah Merah. The incident happened while the brothers were fishing with relatives and friends in Sungai Gilat. It is believed that they were swept away by the strong current during the activity.
The family, along with over 30 Orang Asli from Rompin, were in the village to work on a watermelon plantation and were expected to stay for a week.