Family plans ‘jenazah Ghaib’ prayer after search for missing Felcra pensioner halted

Subhiah Roslina Shahibi, 57, said she understands the limitations of those involved in searching for Sabari Baharom, 62, considering that the incident happened some time ago.

"It's been a long time since the incident, and only now has the search and rescue (SAR) operation begun. There have been two floods (in the Padang Terap River area) since-- first for a week, and then for four days.

"In that time, many things could have happened... We know that he's gone, and if there is nothing, there must be a conclusion. Every beginning has an end, whether good or bad.

"As Muslims, we don't wish for ill outcomes; we hope for the best. If his body is not found, we must accept it. Perhaps that is Allah's plan for him," she told reporters here today.

Subhiah Roslina, who works at a Felcra office in Kuala Lumpur, visited the location where Sabari was thrown into the river, near the Kampung Empa Bridge, before returning to the capital today.

"It feels like this place is his 'grave' because this is where the incident happened... InsyaAllah , I will return here again," she said, accompanied by her younger brother.

Subhiah Roslina said while she is sad, as the hope of finding her husband's body is slim, she accepts the challenge with an open heart.

"Even though the SAR operation in this river has ended, we don't know what will happen next. I will stay in contact with the police to stay updated on the investigation.

"My husband was a very kind person but often wronged by others. He was friendly with everyone, even with those he had just met, including children," she said, recalling fond memories of Sabari.

She also shared that her daughter, who is in her 30s, had a close relationship with Sabari, even though he was her stepfather, due to the love and care he showed her.

Earlier reports stated that Sabari had been missing since Sept 4, with his Proton Waja car found burnt in Belantik, Sik.

Police on Monday confirmed that Sabari was thrown into Sungai Padang Terap, with his hands bound and mouth taped. Two men, aged 26 and 38, were arrested last Friday to assist in the investigation.

The search for Sabari ended on Wednesday after a three-day SAR operation along a 13-kilometre stretch of the river yielded no results. The operation involved personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the Civil Defence Force (APM), and the police.

The search for Sabari, conducted over a 13-kilometre stretch along the river and involving personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force and the police was called off on Wednesday as no fresh leads were found.

Following the decision to call off the SAR, the family now plans to hold a 'solat jenazah ghaib' (funeral prayer in the absence of the deceased).

Subhiah Roslina said the necessary arrangements will be made as soon as she arrives in Kuala Lumpur.

"Felcra, along with the religious bureau, the surau and mosque where my late husband frequents, have already started holding prayers for him. When I return to Kuala Lumpur, I will hold prayers as well.

"Our entire family has accepted the decision to halt the SAR. However, if the village folks still wish to continue searching, they could do so; there's nothing wrong with pursuing good," she said.

-- BERNAMA