Post by : Meena Ariff

A young Myanmar student, who was studying at a private university in Kuala Lumpur, tragically died after falling from the 26th floor of a condominium building in the Cheras area. Police confirmed the incident, which has shocked both the local and international student communities in Malaysia.

What Happened

The student, identified as 20-year-old Sithu Hpone Maw, was living at the Angkasa Condominium in Taman Connaught, Cheras. On the morning of July 9, around 8:30 AM, security camera footage from the building reportedly captured the moment of the fall. According to authorities, Sithu’s fall was sudden and occurred from the high-rise building where he lived.

Police said Sithu had last been seen at his rented unit in the same condominium earlier that morning. When his friends and contacts were unable to reach him later in the day, they became worried and eventually filed a missing persons report.

Officers from the Cheras police district responded to the report and began an investigation. After reviewing the CCTV footage, they were able to confirm that someone had fallen from the 26th floor. The body was later found at the scene, and initial findings from the post-mortem examination revealed that the injuries were consistent with those suffered from a high fall.

Cheras district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Aidil Bolhassan, said there was no sign of foul play at this stage. However, investigations were still ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fall.

Body Identified by Family

Sithu’s family in Myanmar was informed of the incident shortly after authorities confirmed the identity of the body. His father traveled to Malaysia and arrived on July 16. At the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz’s forensic unit, he was asked to identify the body.

According to police, the father confirmed the identity of his son by recognizing a birthmark located on Sithu’s waist. The confirmation added to the heartbreak the family had already been facing since receiving the tragic news.

Arrangements are currently being made by the family to bring Sithu’s body back to Myanmar. The repatriation is expected to take place on July 22. The family is said to be in deep grief and is being assisted by local Myanmar community members and consular services during this difficult time.

Sithu’s Life and Studies in Malaysia

Sithu Hpone Maw had come to Malaysia to pursue his studies and was enrolled at UCSI University, one of the country’s well-known private institutions. He had been living in Malaysia for some time and was pursuing a course that he hoped would help him build a better future.

UCSI University confirmed Sithu’s death and extended its condolences to his family and friends. University representatives said they were saddened by the loss of one of their students and offered support to those affected by the tragedy.

Fellow students described Sithu as a quiet and polite young man who mostly kept to himself but was always kind when approached. He was believed to be focused on his studies and maintained a low profile within the student community.

His classmates and friends at the university are still trying to come to terms with the news. A few of them gathered after hearing the confirmation of his passing to light candles and say prayers in his memory.

Shock and Sadness in the Community

The Myanmar student community in Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur, expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Many young Myanmar nationals study in Malaysia, and this tragic case has raised concerns about the well-being and mental health of international students living far from home.

Several students mentioned how hard it can be to live alone in a foreign country, dealing with academic pressure and homesickness. Some called for more support from universities and community organizations to help international students deal with such challenges.

Others shared messages on social media remembering Sithu and asking for prayers for his family. Some also expressed concern over the safety of students living in high-rise buildings and called for proper safety checks and mental health awareness efforts.

Police Continue Investigations

While the post-mortem report did not indicate any signs of foul play, police have said that investigations are still ongoing. Officers are interviewing people who were in the building at the time of the incident and are checking for any evidence that could help explain how Sithu came to fall from such a high floor.

Police have not ruled out any possibilities and are waiting for additional details from forensic experts and digital evidence from the CCTV systems. They urged the public not to spread rumors or unconfirmed stories about the case out of respect for the family and to avoid causing unnecessary panic.

A Family in Mourning

The loss of a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Sithu’s father, who had to travel from Myanmar to Malaysia under such tragic circumstances, has remained mostly private and is receiving help from officials and friends during the difficult time.

Family friends and members of the Myanmar embassy in Malaysia are helping coordinate the repatriation of Sithu’s remains. The body is expected to be flown back to Myanmar on July 22, where a proper funeral will be held according to local traditions.

The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and prepare to say their final goodbyes.

Support for Students Needed

This heartbreaking case serves as a reminder of the challenges international students face. Away from family and familiar surroundings, they often deal with academic pressure, loneliness, and cultural adjustment. It also highlights the importance of mental health support, particularly for young students studying abroad.
Some Malaysian student organizations have since come forward to encourage universities to strengthen their student counseling services and to offer emotional and social support to foreign students.

Authorities and university officials have said they will continue to support Sithu’s family and are reviewing student welfare procedures to ensure such tragedies can be prevented in the future.

As preparations are made to send Sithu’s body home, the thoughts and prayers of fellow students, friends, and community members go out to his grieving family. Though he may have been far from home, his story has touched many in Malaysia, who are mourning the loss of a young life gone too soon.

The memory of Sithu Hpone Maw will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his tragic death will hopefully lead to better care, attention, and support for international students trying to build their futures far from home.