The death of 14-year-old Muhammad Idlan Fareeq Shahril has left his family, friends and the Negeri Sembilan cricket community mourning the loss of a promising young athlete.
Muhammad Idlan, a Form Two student from Gemencheh and the eldest of three siblings, was found unconscious at a school hostel in Kuala Pilah at around 8pm on September 25. He was taken to Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah (HTAN), where he was later pronounced dead.
The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated. Police have opened an investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code and detained a Form Four student to assist with the probe. Police have also recorded statements from 21 people, including students, teachers and the victim’s parents. The cause of death has yet to be determined pending further test results.
The incident has also prompted unverified claims on social media that Muhammad Idlan had been bullied. Police have urged the public not to speculate or circulate unconfirmed information while the investigation is ongoing.
Away from the circumstances of his death, Muhammad Idlan was remembered for his involvement in cricket. According to Kriket Adiwira Negeri Sembilan, he represented the state in the Under-12 category at the 2024 Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Cricket Championship, where the team finished as runners-up.
His uncle, Kamaruddin Ngatimon, 49, said Muhammad Idlan had been interested in joining the school because of its sports programmes. Although cricket was reportedly not offered there, he accepted a place and took up archery instead.
Kamaruddin described his nephew as quiet, calm and someone who never looked for trouble. As the eldest sibling, Muhammad Idlan was also said to be caring towards his younger brothers and sisters.
The family remains devastated by his sudden death, with Kamaruddin saying his younger sibling who was in Melaka rushed home after receiving the news and was deeply affected by the loss.
Kamaruddin also called for justice for his nephew and said appropriate action should be taken against anyone found responsible for the incident.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said the investigation would continue to establish the circumstances, cause and motive behind the incident. He stressed that the probe would be conducted professionally and based on evidence.
