https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/2-singaporeans-die-4-injured-after-lorry-collides-with-bikers-in-johor
A convoy of Singaporean bikers was on its way to Pagoh in Muar when it was hit by a lorry in Johor on March 23, 2024.
Tragedy struck a group of eight Singaporean motorcyclists in Johor on the morning of March 23 when a lorry hit all but one rider in their convoy.
The impact killed two bikers, including the 2017 winner of Malay talent show Anugerah, Mr Mohd Shahfiq Irman, and left another four severely injured.
Batu Pahat district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Ismail Dollah, said in a statement that the accident at the 114km mark of the North-South Expressway was reported via a phone call at about 3am.
The men were travelling from Singapore for sahur – a morning meal eaten before fasting during Ramadan – in Pagoh, Muar, he said.
According to him, seven of the motorcyclists had been waiting in the emergency lane after another rider suffered a flat tyre and had to stop at a rest stop in the town of Yong Peng, about 120km from Singapore.
Shortly after, a container lorry driven by a 33-year-old Malaysian man lost control and crashed into the group, AC Ismail said.
Mr Shahfiq and Mr Mohd Firman Nordin, both 26, died at the scene, while four seriously injured riders were taken to the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital in Muar, he added.
Get exclusive insights into Malaysia in weekly round-up
[Sign up](javascript:;)
By signing up, I accept SPH Media's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy as amended from time to time.
Yes, I would also like to receive SPH Media Group's marketing and promotions.
Mediacorp, which hosted the talent competition that Mr Shahfiq won, said in a tribute on social media on March 23 that he would always be remembered for his beautiful voice and being a dedicated person.
Friends, loved ones and contemporaries of Mr Shahfiq penned their tributes and condolences on Facebook. One shared that he was a soft-spoken man who never lost his smile, while another lamented how the singer’s dream of becoming a successful vocal coach was cut short.
Instagram user mirza.zuraimi posted on social media that he was the member of the convoy who escaped the crash unharmed.
“I lost two of my close friends,” he wrote. “Do me a favour to recite al-fatihah (a Quranic chapter commonly recited for those who have died) for them.”