SHAH ALAM - A wedding planned for Dec 25 ended in tragedy on Dec 5 when a teacher and a canteen worker plunged 60 metres into a ravine along a fully closed road in Hulu Terengganu, killing both of them.
Their deaths have raised concerns over road safety enforcement and prompted federal and state authorities to investigate how warning barriers were moved.
The Incident at KM52: What Happened on Dec 5
The tragedy unfolded at about 5.30pm on Dec 5, when a Toyota Fortuner travelling along Kilometre 52 of Jalan Kuala Jeneris–Sungai Gawi–Aring (Bukit Kawah) veered into a ravine more than 60 metres deep.
Hulu Terengganu district police chief Superintendent Sharudin Abdul Wahab confirmed the victims as 52-year-old teacher Hassan Shazali and 34-year-old canteen worker Suzaimah Che Azis, both from Kelantan and working at the same school.
“Based on preliminary investigations, the accident is believed to have occurred when the victims, travelling from Hulu Terengganu towards Gua Musang, entered a stretch of road that was closed due to a landslide, causing the vehicle to skid and plunge into a ravine.
“The impact threw both victims out of the vehicle and they were pronounced dead at the scene,” Sharudin said.
Police found no brake marks and concluded the SUV had gone straight over the edge. Sharudin said the debris on the slope suggested the car was not speeding.
“Usually, if a vehicle is driven at high speed, it skids before going over. But based on the debris found on the slope, we believe the vehicle was not moving fast and had continued straight into the ravine.
“We believe the accident was caused by negligence, with the driver not paying full attention while driving,” Sharudin added.
Removed warning signs and barriers: A key issue under investigation
One of the most alarming revelations from the scene was the condition of the road closure. Authorities had long sealed off the route after a major landslide in November last year, putting up concrete barriers and multiple warning signs.
However, Sharudin disclosed that safety equipment at the site had been tampered with.
“There were warning signs and road barriers at the site, but it appears they had been moved by irresponsible individuals,” he said.
Police have announced plans to monitor the stretch and take action against anyone who interferes with road signs. The SUV’s dashcam was also missing, only the mount was found.
Sharudin suggested that the camera may have been flung out during the fall.
Federal response: Works Ministry says barriers were not moved by JKR
The tragedy prompted immediate attention from Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who expressed condolences and stressed the ministry’s concern for public safety.
Nanta said the area had been properly sealed off.
“Such incidents are truly unfortunate, especially when all the relevant agencies had already taken preventive measures by closing the road and putting up various warning signs in the area.
“Public Works Department (JKR) had put up clear warning signs and concrete barriers as safety measures, with ongoing monitoring also carried out in coordination with the concessionaire.
“If it is true that the barriers were moved, it was not done by JKR. JKR always adheres to established governance and standard operating procedures. At this stage, we do not know who moved the barriers.
“Anyone with information is urged to come forward,” he said.
State Government urges users to respect road closures
The Terengganu government echoed federal concerns.
State Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development exco Datuk Hanafiah Mat reminded drivers to obey all road closure notices.
“The safety of the public remains a priority and any risky actions must be avoided. We also hope the community will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities until this infrastructure recovery project can begin and be completed within the specified time.” he said.
He confirmed no temporary route had been allowed as the site was still unsafe.
A RM36 million bridge project already approved
Nanta also revealed that long-term plans for the hazardous stretch were already in motion. He explained that the ministry had secured approval to build a bridge at FT36 KM89.
“The project is currently at the procurement stage, with the Letter of Acceptance expected to be issued in the fourth week of December,” he shared.
The project, budgeted at RM36 million, was approved earlier on March 25.
The families: Shock, grief and unfinished wedding preparations
Both families have been left devastated by the sudden tragedy.
Suzaimah’s mother, Fauziah Mahmood, last spoke to her daughter at 11.30am on the same day.
“Among the preparations already made were five gift trays. I believe they went to Kuala Terengganu to make final arrangements, as the police found bridal attire in the car,” she said.
Hassan’s mother, 82-year-old Mek Som Ishak, shared her heartbreak, saying she had just discussed the wedding date earlier that day.
In a separate interview, Hassan’s ex-wife Che Norhashimah Hassan said she was unaware he planned to remarry.
“We had not been in contact for almost three months, so I was very shocked. I never imagined something like this would happen,” she mentioned.
The couple leaves behind eight children in total; Hassan’s five aged 8 to 24 and Suzaimah’s three aged 7, 12 and 15.
Final rites in Kelantan
Both of the victims were buried on Dec 6. Hassan was laid to rest at the Kampung Kedai Menanti Muslim Cemetery in Pasir Puteh at 9.10pm, while Suzaimah was buried at the Kampung Lebir Muslim Cemetery in Gua Musang at 9.26pm.