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SHAH ALAM – The fire tragedy at Pusat Tahfiz Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah on Sept 14, 2017 left a deep impact on one of the former students who survived, even though almost 10 years have passed since the heartbreaking incident.
Muhammad Syamim Naim Mohd Saani said the incident, which claimed the lives of 21 students and two teachers at the tahfiz centre, remains a difficult event to forget, especially when he remembers his friends who perished.
The 24-year-old, who now works as a factory operator in Tanjung Malim, said there are times when the voices of his friends still echo in his mind, particularly when he is alone and lost in thought.
"The incident left a deep impact and trauma. Even now, there are times when I remember the incident and my friends who have passed away.
"Sometimes, when I am lost in thought by myself, I can still hear their voices," he told Sinar.
Syamim had previously expressed how he missed his friends who died in the tragedy through a viral video that he shared.
He added that although the lives of himself and his surviving friends have changed, they remain close.
"I am still in touch with those who survived. Although everyone now has their own commitments, we still keep in touch and ask how each other is doing," he said.
He said what he missed most was not merely the presence of his friends, but also the little things and fond memories they shared.
"When I think back, what I miss most is my friends' laughter and jokes. Even though almost 10 years have passed, I still remember the memories we shared to this day.
"What I miss most is playing football with them, taking part in gotong-royong activities, attending events, performing Tarawih prayers and many other memories together," he added.
He said all he could do was pray for his friends who had passed away and those who survived the incident.
"I pray that my friends who have passed away will be placed among the believers and be blessed with Allah's mercy.
"To the victims' families and my surviving friends, I hope you will continue to stay strong and resilient and that everything will be made easier for you as you move forward with your lives," he said.
