Sarawakian passes away in motorcycle accident in Pakistan

KUCHING (Oct 19): A Sarawakian, Tommy Wong, has passed away after the motorcycle he rode lost control and crashed near Maqpoondas, Gilgit in Pakistan.

His demise was revealed via the Pamir Times Facebook page on Saturday.

According to the post, a motorcycle lost control and crashed near Maqpoondas, Gilgit, resulting in the death of a foreign tourist.

“Rescue 1122 personnel responded promptly, arriving at the scene with an ambulance and transferring the body to PHQ Hospital, Gilgit. According to rescue sources, the deceased was a Malaysian national” said the Pamir Times.

According to a friend of Wong’s, who spoke on anonymity, he learnt the sad news before going to sleep on Friday.

“My Perth Brompton Whatsapp group was heaving with activities. Typically, I would have ignored them and continue sleeping. However, this one felt different.

“A message from Ling KY said a Malaysian was killed on a bike tour in Gilgit, Pakistan. We knew Tommy and his two motorcyclist buddies were on tour in that part of the world.

“In fact, Alfred Wong bumped into him just a few days ago in Hunza Valley by a beautiful coincidence. We were scrambling for information, but sadly it was confirmed that Tommy had left us,” shared the friend in a tribute.

According to him, Tommy was 70 years old but lived his life like he was seven.

He would go wherever his heart desired, be it Borneo’s interior or the panoramic Hunza Valley, a tour in a camper van or on motorcycle.

“He always had friends on his many adventures, be it new friends or regular companions. He always loved his simple life — he never lost his inner child and lived his life to the fullest to his last day, to his last breath,” he said.

He said Tommy, at the age of 70, decided to go on a motorcycle tour in the icy, winding and dangerous Baluchistan Region in Pakistan, whereas the friend was more content on riding his Brompton to the next coffeeshop for a good coffee.

“Unfortunately, this proved to be his last ride. While I’m deeply saddened with his passing, I’m happy to know he passed away while doing his favourite activity. I take solace in this.

“Goodbye Tommy. Thank you for all the jokes, advice and encouragement. You can rest in peace now.”