Republic Polytechnic student, 21, dies in M'sia after reportedly losing control of motorcycle

A Republic Polytechnic student was heading back home from a holiday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when he died in a motorcycle accident on Oct. 15.

Muhammad Razif bin Harun was believed to have lost control of his bike and crashed into roadside metal barricades at around 4am in Negeri Sembilan on the North-South Expressway.

The 21-year-old had plans to play rugby against a team from Ngee Ann Poly that very night.

A section of the expressway was unlit and dark

Rembau acting police department chief Nur Zuliati Razali told The Straits Times that Razif suffered a serious head injury and died at the scene.

The accident took place in Senawang near the 223.8km mark of the expressway, which has a section with three lanes in one direction that was unlit and dark at the time, as found in preliminary investigations.

Weather conditions at that time were found to be good.

Razif's body was taken to the hospital for an autopsy.

Police investigations are ongoing.

"A juggernaut on the pitch, and a gentle giant off it": SCC Rugby

Rugby communities SCC Rugby and Singapore Rugby paid tribute to Razif in separate Facebook posts.

Singapore Rugby described Razif to be "a dedicated player whose passion for the game shone brightly, notably through his contributions to SCC."

"A juggernaut on the pitch, and a gentle giant off it, he will be missed," said SCC Rugby.

Teammates described Razif as a "great clubman" and a "friend to many," as well as a person with a "wonderful, kind and fun-loving view of the world."

"Those who had the honour of playing alongside or against you will remember your spirit, strength, and love for the sport. You will be missed greatly, Razif. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time," said Singapore Rugby.

Razif, the eldest of his siblings, lost his father when he was in primary school.

His mother passed away just a month ago this year.

Razif's two younger sisters‚ one in primary and the other in secondary school, are in the care of his aunt.

SCC Rugby asked members of the public who wished to contribute to a "collective gesture to honour Razif's memory" and also to "assist and support his sisters" to message them for more information.

Top image via Singapore Rugby and SCC Rugby/Facebook