UiTM student dies, 8 hospitalised after heat-related illness at endurance challenge

A Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student named Fadhlan Fakhry Solana Mohd Fellimal, 21, passed away and eight others were hospitalised following heat-related illnesses during the Komander Kesatria Endurance Challenge (KKEC) at the UiTM Jengka campus on September 4. Superintendent Wong Kim Wai of Maran district police confirmed that two of the students were treated at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh, while seven received treatment at Jengka Hospital.

The initial examinations revealed that the students experienced oxygen deficiency and other heat-related issues while participating in the endurance event. UiTM Pahang expressed condolences to Fadhlan Fakhry's family and announced that they would provide support to facilitate the arrangements related to his remains, documentation, transportation, and emotional assistance for the family.

The university emphasized that the Komander Kesatria Endurance Challenge, an annual event involving participants from its various branches nationwide, had been conducted in adherence to strict health and safety standard operating procedures. All participants had undergone health screenings before the programme commenced and received periodic health checks prior to each event.

UiTM has taken the incident seriously and will remain vigilant in monitoring the situation to ensure the well-being of all parties involved. The university has decided to cancel the outdoor activities scheduled for the same day as a demonstration of their commitment to the health and safety of the students. Fadhlan Fakhry, representing UiTM Negri Sembilan at the event, was a final-year diploma student at the Seremban campus.