One participant has died while eight others were hospitalised after suffering health problems during the Komander Kesatria Endurance Challenge (KKEC) 2026 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Jengka, Maran.
Maran district police chief Superintendent Wong Kim Wai said police received a report on the incident at 6.59pm yesterday.
“The deceased was a 21-year-old male student. Further details will be provided after the post-mortem report is received,” he told Bernama.
All nine participants are understood to have lost consciousness before being taken to hospital for further treatment, with the incidents believed to be linked to hot weather.
Meanwhile, UiTM Pahang Branch expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased, identified as Fadhlan Fakhry Solana Mohd Fellimal, a KKEC participant from UiTM Negeri Sembilan Branch.
The university said it was giving its full attention to the welfare of the deceased’s family and had mobilised comprehensive assistance to facilitate funeral arrangements, documentation, transportation and emotional support.
“As part of the university’s commitment to the safety and health of its students, the organisers have decided to cancel the outdoor competition activities scheduled for today,” UiTM said in a statement.
KKEC 2026 is an annual programme involving Komander Kesatria participants from UiTM branches nationwide. This year’s programme is being held from Sept 2 to 8 at UiTM Pahang Branch, Jengka Campus.
UiTM said the programme had been conducted under strict health and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs), with all participants required to undergo health checks before the programme began as well as periodic screenings before each event.
Several participants had also previously been asked to withdraw after failing to pass the final health screening, the university said.
UiTM said it was taking the incident seriously and would continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the welfare of everyone involved.
“The university regrets any difficulties caused, and appreciates the cooperation and prayers of all parties as we face this difficult time,” it said.
