On Sunday (June 4), Mr Khairul Zainuddin, a dedicated cameraman working for Channel NewsAsia, met with a fatal accident on a Malaysian highway.
Mr Khairul, aged 45, leaves behind his wife and two younger brothers. He had been returning to Kuala Lumpur after a weekend visit to his parents in Kuantan when the incident occurred on the Karak-Kuala Lumpur highway around noon.
Reports from the police indicate that Mr Khairul lost control of his motorcycle, colliding with a road divider. The impact propelled him into the opposite lane, where he was struck by an oncoming motorcycle ridden by a 46-year-old man.
Tragically, Mr Khairul succumbed to severe head injuries and died at the scene. The other motorcyclist suffered minor injuries and received treatment at Bentong Hospital in Pahang.
CNA’s team in Kuala Lumpur
Mr Khairul Zainuddin made valuable contributions as a video editor and cameraman, his expertise recognized in several acclaimed productions. He had been an integral part of CNA’s Kuala Lumpur bureau, serving Mediacorp for five years.
Mediacorp expressed deep sorrow in a statement issued on Monday, extending their condolences and support to Mr Khairul’s family. They acknowledged his dedication and important role within the bureau, noting his involvement in multiple award-winning projects. The company also offered assistance to their affected staff members in coping with this tragic loss.
Colleagues remember him as “big brother”
Among Mr Khairul’s notable works was the production “CNA Correspondent: Saving Endangered Animals In Malaysia,” which received accolades at the 2022 WorldMedia Festivals and was shortlisted for The AIBs in the same year.
His colleagues at CNA, who worked closely with him, fondly described Mr Khairul as a “big brother.” Melissa Goh, the bureau chief in Malaysia, emphasized his professionalism, dedication, and kind demeanor, while expressing deep sadness at his passing.
Ms Afifah Arifin, a correspondent in the Kuala Lumpur bureau, expressed gratitude for his guidance and the privilege of working closely with him.
Malaysian Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Mr Khairul’s family through a message on Twitter.
The loss of Mr Khairul Zainuddin is a tragic event that has deeply affected both his colleagues and the media industry as a whole. His contributions and warm personality will be sorely missed.
Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un.
— Fahmi Fadzil 🇲🇾 (@fahmi_fadzil) June 4, 2023
Salam takziah buat keluarga Allahyarham Khairul Azman Zainuddin, jurukamera Channel NewsAsia yang telah meninggal dunia sebentar tadi.
Semoga keluarga Allahyarham tabah dengan ujian ini.
Al-Fatihah. pic.twitter.com/u8SXIeAR1d
Images source: KRoll Fiftyfive on Facebook