KUALA LUMPUR: The government accepts the outcome of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim's inquest which was delivered today, said Home Affairs Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
After nine months, the Coroner’s Court today ruled that Adib's death was a result of a criminal act.
Coroner Rofiah Mohamad said the blunt trauma to the chest of the late fireman was not self-inflicted and nor was it an accident, but was caused by two to three unidentified persons.
“The government accepts the inquest verdict on the death of the deceased and leaves it to the PDRM (Police) to continue their investigations according to the country’s criminal law," Muhyiddin said in a brief statement.
“I believe that the PDRM will investigate the case in a detailed and best possible manner to ensure those responsible will face justice,” he said.
During the 41-day inquest that began on Feb 11, 30 witnesses including several experts were called and 137 exhibits submitted.
The proceedings were handled by Deputy Public Officer Faten Hadni Khairuddin while Adib’s family was represented by counsel Syazlin Mansor, Yahaya Othman, Kamaruzaman A Wahab and Ahmad Taufiq Baharum.
Three senior federal counsel Suzana Atan, Mazlifah Ayob and Fadilatul Isma Ahmad Rafngah, and one federal counsel Afiq Zainal Abidin represented Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Fire and Rescue Department.
Adib, 24, was reported to have been critically injured when he and a team of firemen answered a distress call about a torched vehicle outside the Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Subang Jaya on Nov 27.
The late fireman was taken to Subang Jaya Medical Centre and later transferred to the National Heart Institute. Despite showing signs of recovery, Adib died on Dec 17.