PADANG TERAP: Nineteen-year-old Muhammad Rosman Rohaidi was set for a bright future despite his challenges as a student with learning disabilities and his underprivileged background.
His teacher, Norhidayah Shaari, 40, had been committed in helping him secure a job as he was nearing the completion of his Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI). He was also due to receive a Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) certificate in Agriculture from SMK Padang Terap.
Unfortunately, Rosman and his mother, Salmah Mohd Zain, 46, both drowned after they were swept away by strong flood currents near their home in Kampung Tanjung Kiri yesterday.
Having taught him for six years, Norhidayah described Rosman as a dedicated and responsible young man who had a close bond with his mother, Salmah Mohd Zain, 46.
"Rosman was a very responsible student, whenever teachers gave him any assignments, he would make sure that the task was completed properly. He was also very close with his mother," she said when met at Kampung Tanjung Kiri here today.
Norhidayah explained that Rosman lived alone with his mother after his father remarried.
"Salmah supported their family by selling ikan pekasam (fermented fish), and Rosman was her pillar of strength. He was the eldest son. His other siblings left with their father."
Norhidayah added that as soon as she arrived at the scene yesterday, she saw the spot where Rosman and his mother had disappeared, and she had repeatedly said, "Rosman, please surface, no matter the circumstances."
"Alhamdulillah, Rosman's body was found by the rescue team shortly after." she said, adding that she cried non-stop until his remains were found.
In yesterday's tragedy, Rosman and his mother were seen braving strong flood currents in Kampung Tanjung Kiri near their home about 8.15am, before disappearing in the waters shortly after.
Rosman's body was foundwas found at 7.45am today, both entangled among palm oil tree fronds underneath flood waters.
Both bodies have been sent to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star for post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, Salmah's cousin, Sofian Subri, 39, expressed his shock upon hearing the news and rushed to the scene.
"We are devastated. Salmah and Rosman lived alone and they were inseparable. It's hard to believe we've lost both of them today," he said.
He added that the mother and son are expected to be laid to rest at a cemetery in Kampung Tanjung Kiri near the family's home later today.