Muhammad Alif (right) with his worker Muhammad Afnan Mohd Nor looking at a video they took with Mohamad Elias.
It has been a week since his friend-and-worker died but burger stall owner Muhammad Alif Shahar still tears up thinking of the tragic death.
“Customers keep asking about him and I get teary-eyed telling them what happened,” said a distraught Muhammad Alif, 30.
His friend, 30-year-old Mohamad Elias Kamarudin was electrocuted at about 1.15am on Oct 15 while working at the burger stall in Taman Bercham Raya in Ipoh, Perak.
Also killed was Muhamad Nadim Taqwa Abdul Malek, 14, who was helping out at the stall.
Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Yahaya Hassan was quoted as saying that the victims were found unconscious by the side of the stall.
The case has been classified as a sudden death.
Throughout the interview, Muhammad Alif kept answering calls from customers.
“We have been getting messages and calls non-stop, not only from our family and friends but also from customers who are saddened by Elias’ passing.
“That was when I realised how special my friend was,” said Muhammad Alif, adding that he befriended Mohamad Elias seven years ago.
He said even their social media accounts were flooded with comments on Mohamad Elias, with many people recounting his jokes.
“We worked together at a fast-food chain in Kuala Lumpur.
“When I resigned, he joined me and we then worked together at another restaurant before he went to Penang and I settled down in Ipoh,” he said.
“After the Covid-19 movement control order, he lost his job and started selling insurance.
“He told me that he was heartbroken over a girl. That was when I asked him if he wanted to work with me in my burger business.”
Muhammad Alif said even their families were close to one another.
“I still cannot believe that he is gone,” he said.
Muhammad Alif said he got to know the teenager Muhamad Nadim through Mohamad Elias.
“He was not a staff member but just wanted to earn some pocket money to help his family.
“Elias cared dearly for his nephew who is around Nadim’s age. So I think he took care of Nadim as if he was family.”
Muhammad Alif said he had planned to set up two new stalls in Taiping with Mohamed Elias.
“I have to put the plan on hold for a while,” he said.
