Two Siblings Who Drowned In Sungai Beril, Paka Laid To Rest In Kelantan

KUALA LUMPUR,MAY,2026 – Two teenage siblings who drowned in Sungai Beril near Taman Beril, Paka, Terengganu, have been laid to rest at the Kampung Buloh Poh Muslim Burial Grounds in Melor, Kelantan.

The younger brother, Muhammad Aidil Amsyar Mohd Zul-Zunaidi, 14, was buried at 8.20pm, while his elder brother, Muhammad Amir Ashraf, 15, was laid to rest at about 11am the same day. Family members, relatives and villagers gathered at the burial grounds to pay their final respects.

The tragedy has deeply affected the family, especially as both teenagers were said to be very close. Their uncle, Mohamad Zul Hazim Mohd Baldin, 30, said the brothers had grown up together “like twins” because they were only one year apart in age. They were also the eldest grandchildren and shared a close bond with their grandmother, Nor Hashimah Hashim, 64.

Mohamad Zul Hazim said the family was shocked by the tragedy because the brothers had never been to the river before. He also said the family had been planning to hold a gathering in conjunction with Aidiladha at the end of the month, making the loss even more heartbreaking for relatives.

The drowning incident happened at about 11am on May 24 when the two siblings were bathing with two other friends in Sungai Beril. They were believed to have been swept away by strong currents while in the river.

Earlier reports said the four students had arrived at the river at about 10.30am before the incident occurred. The two surviving friends were identified as Muhammad Farish Iqbal Cik Mohana Runasdi, 14, and Muhammad Afi Naashif Adli Noone, 15.

Paka Fire and Rescue Station chief Assistant Superintendent Mohd Rizuan Ramli said the emergency call was received at 11.19am, before machinery from the Paka Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the location six minutes later.

A search and rescue operation was launched involving 15 personnel from Paka, with assistance from the Kerteh team and the Water Rescue Team from Chukai. Firefighters carried out searches along the riverbank, while rescue divers were also deployed to locate the missing victims.

Muhammad Amir Ashraf’s body was found by the rescue team on the riverbed at about 3.47pm on May 24, around seven metres from the incident location. His younger brother, Muhammad Aidil Amsyar, was later found floating near the Paka Market jetty at 9.55am the following day.

The incident has drawn public sympathy because it involved two young brothers who lost their lives during what began as an ordinary outing with friends. Their deaths also came just before Aidiladha, a period usually associated with family gatherings and returning to hometowns.

The tragedy is another painful reminder of the dangers of river activities, especially when currents become strong or water levels change quickly. Rivers that may appear calm at first can become dangerous within minutes due to sudden current changes, depth variation or underwater movement.

For parents and guardians, the case highlights the importance of knowing where children and teenagers are going, especially during school holidays or festive periods when they may spend more time outdoors with friends.

Authorities often advise the public to avoid bathing in rivers with unknown depth, strong currents or no safety supervision. Visitors should also avoid entering the water after heavy rain or when the water level appears unstable.

The deaths of the two brothers have left their family and community mourning. What was supposed to be a period of family preparation ahead of Aidiladha has turned into a heartbreaking farewell for two siblings who were remembered as close, cheerful and deeply loved by their family.

Overall, the Paka drowning tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of river safety and the need for greater caution around recreational water areas, especially involving children and teenagers.