A 20-year-old Singaporean National Serviceman (NSF) has died in a tragic road accident in Johor, Malaysia, just days before he was due to attend his Passing-Out Parade (POP).
Lutfi Adib Yusof was killed in the early hours of May 31 after a lorry allegedly crashed into his motorcycle along the North-South Expressway near Batu Pahat, Johor. The accident occurred less than a week before his POP on June 7, a milestone he had reportedly been eagerly anticipating.
Family Remembers A Loving Son
Speaking to Malaysian media, Lutfi’s mother, Kartini Mohd Kamil, described her son as cheerful, caring and always willing to help others.
She recalled many fond memories of him, including how he painted a blue pattern on a wall in their Bedok home, which has now become a treasured reminder of his presence.
Kartini said Lutfi had a passion for music from a young age. He enjoyed singing, playing the guitar and recording songs with his mother. Friends and family members often described him as someone who always gave his best in everything he pursued.
According to his mother, Lutfi also provided emotional support during difficult periods in her life, including her divorce. When she later remarried, he accepted the decision wholeheartedly and gave his blessing.
She described him as “the light of my life.”
Passion For Music And Faith
Lutfi’s love for music began during childhood and remained an important part of his life. He was also deeply connected to his faith and had performed the umrah pilgrimage with his mother when he was 12 years old.
His family recalled how he had once been featured in a newspaper during his primary school years after participating in a youth outreach programme in Tampines.
These memories have since taken on greater significance following his sudden passing.
Final Journey Ends In Tragedy
According to family members, Lutfi had travelled to Johor Bahru on the night of May 30 and visited a motorcycle workshop where he changed his motorcycle exhaust.
He had planned to meet friends before heading to Port Dickson. However, after learning that his friends would be delayed, he decided to continue the journey alone.
While travelling, he stopped near Machap to refuel.
Friends later became concerned after noticing that he was no longer responding to messages. Using the Life360 tracking application, they saw that his location remained near a petrol station.
Attempts to locate him eventually led them to a Malaysian man who had reportedly seen both Lutfi and his motorcycle.
A video later shared with the family allegedly showed Lutfi lying beside the road after the crash.
Motorcycle Believed To Have Broken Down
Preliminary investigations indicate that Lutfi’s motorcycle may have experienced mechanical problems while he was travelling towards Port Dickson.
Police believe he stopped along the emergency lane before a lorry travelling in the same direction lost control and collided with the stationary motorcycle.
Lutfi suffered severe head injuries and died while being transported to Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital.
The 45-year-old lorry driver was not injured.
Mother Felt Something Was Wrong
Kartini revealed that she experienced an unusual feeling on the morning of the accident.
She said she found herself sitting quietly and staring blankly, which was out of character for her usual morning routine.
Shortly afterwards, her daughter called to inform her that Lutfi had been involved in an accident.
The family rushed to the hospital, hoping they would arrive in time to see him alive.
However, upon seeing others crying at the hospital, Kartini said she realised her son was unlikely to survive.
Lutfi was laid to rest at Pusara Aman cemetery in Singapore on June 1.
His death has left family and friends mourning the loss of a young man remembered for his kindness, positivity and dedication, just days before he was due to celebrate the completion of his National Service journey.