UiTM Endurance Challenge Death: Student Dies, Eight Others Hospitalised in Jengka

A UiTM endurance challenge death is under investigation after a 21-year-old Universiti Teknologi MARA student died following breathing difficulties during the Komander Kesatria Endurance Challenge (KKEC) 2026 at UiTM Pahang’s Jengka campus.

Maran police chief Supt Wong Kim Wai said the student experienced breathing difficulties while taking part in the Mara Lasak event on Friday, 4 September. He was first taken to Jengka Hospital before being transferred to Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh after his oxygen level dropped. He died in the intensive care unit at 2.08pm on Saturday, 5 September.

Eight Other Students Taken to Hospital

Police said eight other students, comprising four male and four female participants, also experienced breathing difficulties during the incident.

They were taken to Jengka Hospital for treatment. Two were later admitted to the intensive care unit at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital after their oxygen levels fell, while the other six remained under observation.

Police said all eight students were in stable condition as of Sunday.

What Happened During KKEC 2026?

The Komander Kesatria Endurance Challenge is an annual programme involving UiTM participants from campuses across Malaysia.

Police said the KKEC Duathlon involved 521 participants from UiTM campuses nationwide, excluding Sarawak.

The challenge included:

• An 8km running segment
• A 20km cycling segment
• A 10km Mara Lasak event

The programme began on 2 September and was scheduled to continue until 8 September at UiTM Pahang’s Jengka campus.

UiTM Cancels Outdoor Activities

Following the incident, UiTM Pahang cancelled the outdoor KKEC activities scheduled for Sunday.

The university said participants were required to undergo health screenings before the programme and periodic checks before each event. Some participants had reportedly been asked to withdraw after failing final health screenings.

UiTM also said it had mobilised assistance for the deceased student’s family, including support involving funeral arrangements, transportation, documentation and emotional assistance.

Police Await Post-Mortem Findings

The deceased student was identified by UiTM as Fadhlan Fakhry Solana Mohd Fellimal, a student from UiTM Negeri Sembilan.

Police said the post-mortem findings are still pending laboratory investigations, meaning the exact medical cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Authorities have advised the public not to speculate or circulate unverified information while investigations continue. Police have also urged people to avoid strenuous outdoor activity during current hot and hazy conditions.

Key Facts

• A 21-year-old UiTM student died after experiencing breathing difficulties.
• The incident happened during the KKEC 2026 Mara Lasak event.
• Eight other students were hospitalised.
• Two were admitted to ICU and remained stable.
• KKEC involved 521 participants.
• UiTM cancelled subsequent outdoor activities.
• The final post-mortem findings are still pending laboratory analysis.

What People Are Asking

What happened at the UiTM endurance challenge?

A 21-year-old student suffered breathing difficulties during the Mara Lasak event and later died in hospital. Eight other students also required treatment.

Was heatstroke confirmed as the cause of death?

No. The post-mortem findings are still pending laboratory investigations, so the exact cause should not be assumed.

Did UiTM cancel the event?

UiTM cancelled the outdoor KKEC activities scheduled for Sunday following the incident.