Elmina plane crash: P-hailing riders express shock and sadness over death of rider

GEORGE TOWN: Food delivery riders expressed shock over the death of a fellow rider, Muhamad Hafiz Muhamad Salleh, who was killed in a plane crash incident on Guthrie Highway at Elmina, Shah Alam.

Zainol Rashid, 45, said he was aware of the risk while working as a p-hailing rider but never expected such a tragic end to Muhammad Hafiz.

“I know once we step outside and ride to work, the risk is there but to be involved in such a fatal crash is truly unexpected,” he said.

Zainol said it feels impossible, but in reality, such unforeseen incidents could happen similar to getting hit by an uprooted tree during a storm, falling into a sinkhole, or facing a landslide.

The father of two said he feels sad for the victim’s family and hoped all riders would remain vigilant while on the road.

Another p-hailing rider Faizal Ali, 35, said it breaks his heart to see a fellow rider die in such a manner while on the way to deliver food to customers.

“Although I don’t know him, I feel sad for his next-of-kin,” he said.

Faizal hoped that the victim’s family would remain strong while dealing with the tragedy.

Malaysian P-Hailing Delivery Riders Association, in a statement posted in its Facebook, expressed condolences to Muhamad Hafiz’s family over his passing.

“God willing, together we pray to Allah that all funeral arrangements are made easy,” it said.

The statement said the association has received confirmation that the victim was a contributor of Socso’s Self-Employment Social Security Scheme under the food and goods delivery sector.

It said currently, Socso is in the midst of providing initial assistance to help the family.

The association also extended its condolences to all family members of the victims who perished in the incident.

Ten people were killed after the Beechcraft 390 plane crashed on the Guthrie Highway on Aug 17.

Two flight crew members and six passengers – including Pahang local government, housing, environment and green technology committee chairman Datuk Seri Johari Harun – were killed in the tragedy.

Muhamad Hafiz was a p-hailing rider who happened to pass by the area. Another motorist was also killed on impact.