ALOR STAR, MALAYSIA: A nine-year-old boy died on the spot when he was struck by lightning.

Muhammad Munir Abdul Kadir was riding pillion on his father's motorcycle when the incident occurred at 5.45pm yesterday just half a kilometre from his home in Kampung Banggol Kambing in Mukim Padang Pusing, Pendang.

The victim's father Abdul Kadir Md Isa, 41, sustained burns on the legs while his younger brother Muhammad Nasir, three, who was seated in front of Abdul Kadir sustained burns on his face.

Abdul Kadir, a barber, said he lost balance after the lightning struck, and all three of them fell to the ground.

Muhammad Munir was a student of SK Pendang.

Both Muhammad Munir and his brother Muhammad Nasir were not wearing helmets.

Abdul Kadir and Muhammad Nasir received outpatient treatment at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here. Muhammad Munir will be buried at the Gajah Mati Muslim Cemetery in Pendang today.

This article was first published in The Star on June 24, 2008.