THE elder brother of Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim is satisfied with the coroner’s verdict that the fireman’s death was due to a “criminal act”.

“I’m really satisfied with the court’s decision,” Mohd Asraf Mohd Kassim told reporters outside the Shah Alam court complex this morning.

“My parents know the court’s decision. They’re on their way to Kuala Lumpur now.”

Asked if the family will file a civil suit, lawyer Syazlin Mansor said: “No civil suit. Who would we summon if there is one?”

After a 41-day inquest, coroner Roziah Mohamad ruled that Adib’s death resulted from a criminal act, saying the blunt force trauma to his chest was not caused by accident.

The 24-year-old died on December 17 last year, succumbing to injuries sustained during riots at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple on November 27 the same year.

The inquest into his death began on February 11. Thirty witnesses, including experts, were called, and 137 exhibits submitted before the proceedings came to a close on July 24.

Among the experts who testified were Kuala Lumpur Hospital forensic specialist Dr Ahmad Hafizam Hasmi and UK-based senior consultant forensic pathologist Professor Dr Shahrom Abd Wahid.

A Fire and Rescue Department workers’ union, too, said it is satisfied with the verdict.

“I am thankful to Allah for giving us this decision for Adib’s family, which is in our favour,” Peninsular Malaysia Fire and Rescue Department Employees’ Union president Zainal Abidin Nong Chik told reporters in Shah Alam.

He said the union is grateful to Adib’s family’s lawyers, civil groups and government agencies for supporting the case. – September 27, 2019.