M'sian single dad, 39, dies in road accident 1 day before daughter's birthday after promising her KFC treat

A single father in Malaysia was unable to fulfil his promise to his daughter to buy her KFC as a birthday treat, as he died a day before that in a traffic accident.

According to The Star, 39-year-old Benet Kawit was run over by a cement mixer at a traffic light junction while riding his motorcycle in Sibu on the morning of Apr. 21.

Firefighters pronounced him dead at the scene.

He left behind two young children, a 10-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, according to Sarawak politician Joseph Chieng, who visited the grieving family on Apr. 22.

Final promise made

In a Facebook post, Chieng said the sudden accident "shattered a family overnight".

He revealed that Apr. 22, the day after the accident, was the 10-year-old girl's birthday, and that Benet had made her a promise that he would celebrate the day with KFC.

"A simple promise to celebrate with KFC is now one that can never be fulfilled," said Chieng.

He added that he prepared two meals from the fast food chain for the children on his visit, hoping to "bring a little warmth in this painful time".

Chieng also urged for stronger enforcement and heavier penalties on road safety, as well as a thorough investigation into the cement truck driver, who was arrested after the crash.

"This was not just an accident, but a preventable tragedy," he said.

"The incident at the traffic light intersection on Jalan Salim in Sibu serves as a stark reminder: running a red light is a deadly act."

Top images via Joseph Chieng/Facebook & Kuching King/Facebook