KUALA TERENGGANU – Terengganu’s silat athlete, Wan Muhammad Haikal Wan Hussin, who died earlier this morning, was willing to turn down several offers to pursue university education in order to focus on representing Terengganu at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) 2024.
Haikal’s elder sister, Wan Nor Haslinda, said her brother received offers from several public universities last year, but the fourth of five siblings intended to continue his studies for a bachelor’s degree after Sukma.
“He was excited about participating in Sukma because this was his last chance to represent Terengganu (at Sukma) since he had turned 21. But, unfortunately, this has happened,” she said.
Wan Nor Haslinda said the last time she met Wan Muhammad Haikal, who was known to be quiet, was in early February, when he visited her home in Kuala Terengganu.
The remains of Wan Muhammad Haikal are expected to arrive in Terengganu later this evening and will be buried at the Kg Alur Selising cemetery in Jerteh after the Isyak prayers.
Wan Muhammad Haikal died at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital, Seremban, after collapsing during the Sukma pre-selection competition yesterday evening.
National Silat Federation secretary-general Bibi Aishah Golbal Shah said Wan Muhammad Haikal collapsed and lost consciousness during the competition at Coral Heights Park Community Hall in Sikamat, Seremban.
Meanwhile, the Terengganu state government expressed condolences and sadness at the death of the talented and promising athlete.
State Youth Development, Sports, and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said the late Haikal was a potential medalist in Sukma in the Men’s Class l (85-90 kg) category.
He said that the report of Wan Muhammad Haikal’s death was received this morning, and his office is awaiting a detailed chronological report on the incident.
“According to the Terengganu State Sports Council’s records, this is the first such incident in silat sports activities, and it is certainly shocking to all parties involved.
“The council will thoroughly investigate and scrutinise this incident. Follow-up actions will be taken,” he said in a statement today.
Hishamuddin said the council will handle arrangements for transporting the deceased’s remains from Negeri Sembilan to Besut, as well as the family’s welfare. – March 3, 2024