A veteran journalist died after collapsing from a suspected heart attack and subsequently drowning while attempting to push his stalled vehicle out of floodwaters in Perlis.
The victim, 49-year-old Mohamad Asri Shafii, was on his way home after conducting a live coverage report on Malaysians stranded in Hatyai, Thailand due to severe flooding, China Press reported.
While driving through a flood-hit road in Kangar, his car stalled. He exited the vehicle to try and push it out of the water but suddenly collapsed. Rescuers tried to assist but were unable to save him.
His wife, Norhanani Ahmad, told Astro Awani that shortly before the tragedy, she received a brief voice note from him saying:
“Ayah sayang semua, jaga diri baik-baik.”
(Daddy loves all of you. Please take care of yourselves.)
She shared that Mohamad Asri was eager to return home out of concern that their house in Perlis might be affected by the floods.
“He had a history of heart problems, and I believe the prolonged disaster coverage and lack of rest may have put too much strain on him,” she said.
Mohamad Asri previously worked with RTM and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) before joining Astro Awani in Perlis.
He is survived by his wife and six children, the youngest aged just 11.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
