Four boys drown after falling into deep drain while trying to retrieve football in Kulim

KULIM, September 15 — Four young boys tragically lost their lives after falling into a deep drain while trying to retrieve a football near Taman Desa Kayangan, Sungai Karangan, on the evening of September 14. Kulim police Chief Supt Syamsul Sinring confirmed that two victims perished at the scene, while the remaining two succumbed to their injuries during the journey to Kulim Hospital.

The victims identified were 12-year-old Muhammad Zafril Arsyad Muhamad Azrin, 10-year-old Muhammad Iman Nuruddin Khairol Anuar, and step-siblings 12-year-old Muhamad Aeril Aziz Muhamad Zafis and 8-year-old Muhammad Arif Naufan Abdullah. A 7.45 pm call informed the police about the drowning incident in a retention pond at Taman Desa Kayangan.

Upon arrival, ambulance personnel reported that two victims had died where they fell, and the other two passed away while being transported to the hospital. All four victims resided close to the location. Syamsul revealed that the boys had departed for a game of football when the ball reportedly fell into the drain, prompting the boys to attempt to retrieve it.

There were no witnesses to the incident, and the drain was estimated to be approximately 10 feet deep and six feet wide. The bodies were transferred to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar for post-mortem examinations the following night.