Malaysia’s higher education minister says haze has not disrupted university learning, with online classes available if air quality worsens
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has instructed Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to prepare a comprehensive report on the death of a participant in the Komander Kesatria Endurance Challenge (KKEC) 2026 at its Jengka Campus, Pahang, last Saturday.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the report was needed to identify the cause of the incident and determine the follow-up action required to prevent a similar incident from recurring.
“We take seriously every matter involving students participating in programmes of this nature.
“I have asked UiTM to prepare a comprehensive report so that we can determine the causes as well as the subsequent action that needs to be taken,” he told the media after the presentation of sponsorship letters for tuition fees to Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) students today.
He added that MOHE would ensure that the safety and welfare of students were given due attention in the implementation of such programmes.
Zanbry said based on the initial report received, the incident was believed to have involved excessive temperatures and heat, which affected several students.
“This training programme is usually held annually. On behalf of MOHE, I extend my deepest condolences to the student’s family and to those who are currently receiving treatment. We pray that their condition will improve and that they will be able to continue their studies,” he said.
A participant from UiTM Negeri Sembilan, Seremban Campus, Fadhlan Fakhry Solana Mohd Fellimal, 21, reportedly collapsed while taking part in the event last Friday before receiving treatment at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital (HOSHAS) in Temerloh and was pronounced dead at about 2 pm on Saturday.
Seven UiTM students are reportedly still receiving treatment and undergoing medical monitoring following a heat-related incident while taking part in a trail event as part of KKEC 2026.
Maran police chief Supt Wong Kim Wai said initial investigations found that the participants were believed to have experienced breathing difficulties while taking part in the event and were taken to Jengka Hospital before their condition deteriorated due to a drop in oxygen levels.
Meanwhile, the remains of Fadhlan Fakhry Solana, the second of four siblings, arrived at Masjid Raja Bendahara Tengku Badar Shah in Denai Alam here at 6.05 am today before being taken to Elmina Muslim Cemetery at 8.50 am for burial.
