A SINGAPOREAN motorcycling enthusiast with more than 20 years' riding experience died in an accident on Malaysia's North-South Highway near midnight on Friday.

His bike collided with a car just before the exit to Pagoh, not far from where an entire family, except a three-month-old baby, was wiped out less than two weeks ago.

Kian, 42, a freelance swimming instructor, left Singapore at about 10pm with two biker friends, who were on their own machines.

He was heading to the circuits in Sepang on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur - a trip he makes once every month.

Of Mr Ong's two friends, one suffered abrasions and a slight concussion when his bike skidded. The other friend was unhurt.

The latter told Mr Ong's family a car had hit a stationary lorry and ricocheted in Mr Ong's direction.

MrOng died on the spot, said his younger brother Robert.

The family had to go to Batu Pahat Hospital to identify the body.

Speaking to The Straits Times at the wake last evening, Mr Robert Ong did not go into the details of the accident but said that, from the damage to his brother's bike, it was "quite bad".

The steel handlebar of the Italian-made Ducati was broken. The machine, he said, was beyond repair.

He added that his brother had more than 20 years' riding behind him and owned two to three motorcycles at any one time.

They were mostly cruise and road bikes.

His brother did not race, said MrOng, but went to Sepang to give his bike a good run around the circuit there.

He was passionate about motorcycles and enjoyed going on biking expeditions to Malaysia and Thailand with fellow enthusiasts.

With tears in his eyes, MrOng added: "I suppose we are all in a state of shock. I don't know how to explain it.

"We're trying to be supportive and strong for the family."

Mr Kason Ong, a divorcee, leaves behind two children - daughter Karyn, 13, and son Jordan, 12.

While his sister declined to be interviewed, Jordan, who is in Primary 6 at Yishun Primary, said he was close to his dad, who often took him and his sister shopping and dining in Orchard Road.

"To remember my father, I will continue to learn swimming as he was a swimming instructor," he said.

Mr Ong's brother-in-law Dan Lim, a 38-year-old manager, described Mr Ong as one who planned ahead. He was also remembered as outgoing and had many friends.

"Every time I see a bike, I will remember him," he said.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Apr 7, 2008.