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

 

A Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student died and eight others were hospitalised after suffering heat-related illnesses during the Komander Kesatria Endurance Challenge (KKEC) at the UiTM Jengka campus here on Sept 4. — SCREENGRAB UiTM CAWANGAN PAHANG’S FB

MARAN: A Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student died and eight others were hospitalised after suffering heat-related illnesses during the Komander Kesatria Endurance Challenge (KKEC) at the UiTM Jengka campus here on Sept 4.

Fadhlan Fakhry Solana Mohd Fellimal, 21, died at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital (Hoshas) in Temerloh at noon yesterday.

Maran district police chief Superintendent Wong Kim Wai confirmed that two of the students were treated at Hoshas, while seven others received treatment at Jengka Hospital.

He said initial checks found that the students had suffered heat-related illnesses, including oxygen deficiency, while taking part in the endurance event.

"Further updates will be provided after receiving Fadhlan Fakhry's post-mortem report," he said.

Meanwhile, UiTM Pahang, in a statement, expressed its condolences and said it was providing support to Fadhlan Fakhry's family.

"The university has mobilised comprehensive assistance to ensure all arrangements related to the deceased's remains, documentation, transportation and emotional support for the family are handled with minimal difficulty," it said.

UiTM said KKEC, an annual programme involving Komander Kesatria participants from its branches nationwide, was scheduled from Sept 2 to 8 at its Pahang branch campus in Jengka.

"The programme has been conducted in compliance with strict health and safety standard operating procedures. All participants were required to undergo health screenings before the programme began, as well as periodic health checks before each event.

"In fact, several participants had previously been asked to withdraw after failing the final screening. UiTM takes this incident seriously and will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure the welfare of all parties involved," it said.

The university said organisers had decided to cancel KKEC's outdoor activities scheduled for today as part of its commitment to the health and safety of students.

Fadhlan Fakhry, who represented UiTM Negri Sembilan at the event, was a final-year diploma student at its Seremban campus.

KKEC is an annual physical and mental endurance competition designed to test students' physical strength, tactical skills, agility and teamwork. - NST