A planned cycling trip to Thailand next week will never happen for two friends who died after they were believed to have been hit by a Perodua Kelisa along Kilometer 18 of the Kota Bharu-Ketereh Highway on Friday morning.
One of the victims, Zamrie Rismawadi Mahmet, 49, had even told his older brother about their plans before heading out for what would be his final cycling trip with his friend.
His brother, Zamrie Isman, 52, said Zamrie Rismawadi had been an active cyclist since his teenage years and regularly went cycling with his group.
“He had told us before that they were planning to cycle to Thailand next week,” he told reporters at the Forensic Unit of Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II) today.
Zamrie Isman said the family received news of the crash at about 10.30am, after another family member informed them.
“I never expected that I would not get the chance to meet him. The last time I saw him was about two months ago.
“I had actually just returned to Kelantan from Selangor, hoping to meet him,” he said.
He described his brother’s death as a huge loss to the family, particularly as Zamrie Rismawadi had been a responsible figure to his nine younger siblings and had also managed to build his own house.
Zamrie Rismawadi, who had previously been married, had no children.
In the 8.30am incident, Zamrie Rismawadi and his cycling companion, Nik Zaki Yamani Nik Abdul Aziz, 49, were believed to have been hit from behind by a Perodua Kelisa driven by a man.
Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.
He said both cyclists suffered severe injuries and died at the scene. Their bodies were taken to the HRPZ II Forensic Unit for post-mortem examinations.
Police have also appealed to members of the public who may have dashcam footage of the incident to submit it to assist with the investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Meanwhile, Nik Zaki’s wife, Munirah Mohd Yusof, 40, a teacher, said her husband had gone cycling with his friends as usual during public holidays.
She said she never imagined that such a tragedy would happen as cycling with his friends had long been part of her husband’s routine.
Nik Zaki’s remains are expected to be buried at Kampung Kubang Bemban after Isyak prayers tonight, once the post-mortem and other procedures are completed.
Zamrie Rismawadi’s remains are expected to be buried at Kampung Rupek tonight.
