Tragedy struck a group of eight Singaporean motorcyclists in Johor on the morning of March 23 when a lorry hit all but one rider in their convoy.
The impact killed two riders, including the 2017 winner of Malay talent show Anugerah, Mr Mohd Shahfiq Irman, and left another four severely injured.
Batu Pahat district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Ismail Dollah, said in a statement that the accident at the 114km mark of the North-South Expressway was reported via a phone call at about 3am.
The men were travelling from Singapore for sahur – a morning meal eaten before fasting during Ramadan – in Pagoh, Muar, he said.
According to him, seven of the motorcyclists had been waiting in the emergency lane after another rider had a flat tyre and had to stop at a rest stop in the town of Yong Peng, about 120km from Singapore.
Shortly after, a container lorry driven by a 33-year-old Malaysian man lost control and crashed into the group, AC Ismail said.
Mr Shahfiq and Mr Mohd Firman Nordin, both 26, died at the scene, while four seriously injured riders were taken to the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital in Muar, he added.
Mediacorp, which hosted the talent competition that Mr Shahfiq won, said in a tribute on social media on March 23 that he would always be remembered for his beautiful voice and being a dedicated person.
Friends, loved ones and contemporaries of Mr Shahfiq penned their tributes and condolences on Facebook. One said that he was a soft-spoken man who never lost his smile, while another lamented how the singer’s dream of becoming a successful vocal coach had been cut short.
His fiancee, Ms Lili Afini Zahit, 27, told The Straits Times that Mr Shahfiq was “an extremely kind and passionate” person. The couple were due to tie the knot in December 2024.
“He always used to tell me, ‘We forgive those who do us wrong, but we never do wrong to others’,” she said.
“He taught me the importance of family, and to care for others. And he was an extremely talented singer.
“He was my light and my rock. When I lost him, I lost half of my heart and soul.”
Mr Syah Riszuan Huslan, Mr Shahfiq’s younger brother, said that he started his singing journey because of his older brother.
“He inspired me to perform, and he would always guide me through on how to write music and how to perform,” said the 19-year-old, who is a singer known as Syaz Smooth.
He added that he last saw his late brother the night before, and had lent him his bag and jumper for his short trip to Johor with his friends.
Ms Salwa Suandi, who was a schoolmate of Mr Firman in Republic Polytechnic’s mass communication diploma course, said that many of his former schoolmates reacted to the news by sharing memories on social media of how he made an impact on their lives.
“He was a kind, dependable, generous and easy-going person,” said Ms Salwa, a 26-year-old freelance photographer.
“He always had a smile on his face and his laughter was infectious – something I’ll never forget. He cared a lot about his family, friends and the people around him. He loved his bike, he loved riding, and I think that was where he felt he was truly free.”
Instagram user mirza.zuraimi posted on social media that he was the member of the convoy who escaped the crash unharmed.
“I lost two of my close friends,” he wrote. “Do me a favour to recite al-fatihah (a Quranic chapter commonly recited for those who have died) for them.”
In another Instagram story, he wrote that he suffered only a minor bruise on his stomach.
The lorry driver from Kedah, his passenger and one rider involved in the crash were unhurt, said AC Ismail.
The driver, who passed the police’s urine and alcohol tests, will be remanded until March 25 to assist with investigations, he added.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesman said it has been supporting the affected Singaporeans and their families through the Singapore consulate-general in Johor Bahru.
“MFA extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a smooth and speedy recovery,” he added.
- Additional reporting by Chin Hui Shan
