PONTIAN, Malaysia — Three siblings were killed in a road accident after attempting to attend school despite the institution being closed due to hazardous haze conditions. The incident occurred on Thursday morning near their home in Kampung Parit Haji Sirat.

The victims were identified as 18-year-old Nordaniel Aiman Norlizan, 11-year-old Nordaniel Fikri Norlizan, and eight-year-old Puteri Naufa Raisha Norlizan. Their grandfather discovered their bodies at the crash site after they failed to return home as expected.

According to their aunt, Norimah Khamis, the children had been informed by their mother and grandmother that classes were suspended because of poor air quality. Nevertheless, the younger siblings insisted on going to school, with their elder brother offering to take them there on his motorcycle. The three were reportedly traveling back from the school when the accident occurred approximately 200 meters from their residence.

Norimah described the siblings as quiet and well-behaved, sharing that Puteri Naufa Raisha still had her pocket money in her clothing, and that Nordaniel Fikri had recently received new shoes, reflecting his passion for football. Their father, Norlizan Khamis, a daily wage labourer, was informed of the tragedy by his father-in-law, who had gone searching for the children when they did not return home. The family remains in shock following the loss.

Norlizan recalled the close bond among his children, noting their gentle nature and how rarely they caused trouble. The elder brother had been in the process of applying for a program at GiatMara, an initiative focused on skills development.

Post-mortem examinations were conducted, and the three siblings were laid to rest at the Kampung Parit Haji Sirat cemetery. Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Dr. Muhammad Naqib Md Ghazali, chairman of the Johor education and information committee, confirmed that the family and school were aware of the closure, but cited the children’s eagerness to attend classes as a factor. He also stated that the state government has arranged counselling services for the family, along with financial assistance and support for funeral arrangements.

“The cause of the accident is under investigation, and we will leave this matter to the police,” Dr. Muhammad Naqib said following a visit to the family.