KUALA LUMPUR – The billiards community is in mourning following the untimely death of a promising talent, Afiq Saiful Bahari, in a tragic car accident today.
The 13-year-old prodigy lost his life in a road accident on the Kajang Seremban Expressway (Lekas) in Seremban early this morning.
Expressing his shock and sorrow, Malaysia Snooker and Billiards Federation (MSBF) president Melvin Chia said the sudden demise of the young and rising star is “unbearable and unacceptable.”
“I was awakened by a 3.30am call this morning when the shocking news was conveyed to me by Mustapa, the Tournament Director of the U21 National Junior Snooker Championship held in Seremban from December 18 to 23.
“Afiq, a young talent with so much to offer to our sports since the age of nine, can no longer bring pride to our nation.
“What is left of him is only many sweet memories and personal achievements that have amazed us since he set foot into this sport. Sadly, this bright little shining star can no longer shine, it is gone, gone forever,” he said when contacted.
Melvin added that Afiq had displayed immense potential and was in discussion to be included as a national junior athlete in the upcoming development programme.
The MBSF had planned to enrol him in the Bukit Jalil Sports School as part of a new programme next year, a proposal that Afiq’s parents had also agreed to.
“However, his fate has denied him this opportunity and this programme can no longer have him as one of the athletes.
“A great loss to the sport, to MSBF and our country. My condolences to his family,” he added.
In a statement, the Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department said they responded to a road accident call at 2:39am, reporting an incident on Lekas from Senawang towards Jalan Pantai Jelebu.
“A Honda City car, carrying five occupants, crashed into a roadside drain. Afiq was reported to have died at the scene.
“Other victims include two men, a woman, and another 13-year-old boy, all of whom sustained injuries.
“The injured victims were swiftly taken to receive medical attention, while authorities commenced their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash,” the statement said. – December 20, 2023