Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah’s recent visit to the home of Mohamad Syafiq Ali Hanaffiah has sparked a renewed sense of hope within the burn victim.
On Dec 29, 2023, Fatimah embarked on a mission to understand the intricate needs of Syafiq, a young man grappling with the aftermath of a devastating incident that left 75 per cent of his body covered in burns.
Advised by certified Clinic Wound Care specialist and Clinical Advisor for Wound Rescue, Dr Sim Chap Hoong, the minister meticulously examined a list categorising Syafiq’s short-term and long-term needs.
“The ministry will be unveiling a multifaceted plan to assist Syafiq’s mother, Julia Jemat, who is financially burdened by this incident.
“The dire need for immediate support, particularly in acquiring essential items like protein powder—a financial burden for the family due to the considerable quantity required for Syafiq’s monthly consumption,” she said.
Medical Assistance – Bridging Gaps in Healthcare:
Fatimah announced the implementation of medical assistance, a state government initiative designed to address the high costs associated with medical needs, stating that this assistance will cover both short-term and long-term requirements, including medicine, equipment, and a hospital bed—crucial elements for Syafiq’s ongoing recovery.
The minister’s commitment goes beyond conventional medical aid, extending to ensuring Syafiq’s comfort and prevention of bedsores. Collagen dressing and specialised nutrition are part of the plan to expedite the healing process. Dr Sim’s expertise is pivotal in guiding the medical aspects of this initiative, ensuring Syafiq receives the best possible care.
“Dr Sim, serving as a certified clinical advisor for wound rescue, conducts community house calls. This is the reason he extended his assistance to Syafiq at his residence.
“As a private practitioner, Dr Sim actively engages in community work, further emphasising his commitment to providing care beyond traditional medical settings,” she told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted recently.
There will be a provision of monthly assistance to ease the financial strain faced by Syafiq’s family which falls under the “bedridden patient” category under the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS).
She added that despite the mother’s income exceeding eligibility criteria, special consideration has been granted due to the exceptional circumstances, with a monthly aid of RM500.
“We have also liaised with Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS), securing an additional potential assistance of RM300 every three months.
“I trust that Syafiq can receive assistance from TBS, and the support we are offering under JKMS will prove to be highly beneficial,” she explained.
Furthermore, understanding the need for constant care, especially when Syafiq’s mother is at work, Fatimah extended assistance to his sister, Nur Hidayah—a single mother whose income is derived from selling nasi lemak. This monthly support aims to allow her to focus on providing dedicated care to Syafiq and her own daughter.
The targeted timeline for the disbursement of assistance is set for January 2024, pending the receipt of the necessary budget allocations.
Holistic Approach – Extending Support Beyond Syafiq:
The minister’s holistic approach doesn’t stop at Syafiq. Recognising the challenges faced by his younger brother, who battles epilepsy without a proper diagnosis, Fatimah envisions a comprehensive plan.
She urged the mother to bring both brothers to the hospital for assessment, facilitating a proper diagnosis and enabling access to long-term assistance.
“I advised the mother to, on a future hospital visit with Syafiq, also bring the younger brother for a comprehensive assessment to determine the specific category of his special needs.
“Does he fall under the mental disability category as a Person with Disability (OKU), or could it be a different classification. Despite appearing physically fine, a thorough diagnosis is necessary.
“Once completed, we can then proceed to issue an OKU card for him, enabling access to the appropriate monthly assistance,” she said.
A Glimmer of Hope for the Future:
Despite the long road to recovery ahead, Fatimah assured Syafiq that he is not alone in his journey. The minister’s dedication to easing the burdens faced by Syafiq and his family, combined with the unwavering support from various government departments, NGOs, and the local community, paints a picture of resilience and unity.
“As part of the long-term plan, the ministry plans to aid with physiotherapy, skills training, and other forms of support to facilitate Syafiq’s reintegration into the community after his recovery.
“The initial step involves healing the skin and the wound, and currently, the recovery process is underway. If all progresses favourably, the wound may potentially heal within a month. Following this, another phase ensues – the skin’s dryness due to its newness. As it dries, intense itching may occur, prompting the urge to scratch, and unfortunately, scratching may lead to bleeding.
“Due to the thinness of the new skin, one can observe certain areas of the body where the healing process has taken place. However, when he moves, the skin tends to break, resulting in bleeding,” she explained.
Fatimah said this is also very critical as he will need a lot of moisturiser, so they will help him under the medical assistance efforts.
In the long term, she added, after the skin has healed, and potentially even before complete healing, the doctor suggests initiating physiotherapy. This process requires Syafiq to visit the hospital as some areas show bone deformities, and some bones are already close.
“I conveyed to the mother that hospital-based physiotherapy typically occurs once a month, with additional sessions needed at home. Consequently, Syafiq will require assistance for daily at-home physiotherapy to gradually regain mobility and muscle usage. This marks the beginning of a learning process, part of the rehabilitation journey.
“Considering Syafiq’s youth, the doctor also recommended exploring skills training in addition to rehabilitation. This long-term plan aims to help him acquire skills that could eventually contribute to his income,” she said.
Fatimah commended Syafiq’s resilience, emphasising the importance of accepting the situation and drawing strength from it. She acknowledged his spiritual strength and support system, expressing hope for his inspiring journey to recovery.
“I witnessed tears welling up in his eyes— masyaallah. Truly, he is an extraordinary individual.
Fatimah asked him, “What is your hope now, now that you know what is happening to your body.” And he responded with a sense of surrender, stating that he is accepting that this is what God has decided for him.
The ministry, along with various government departments, NGOs, and community support, is committed to providing holistic and timely assistance to Syafiq, ensuring his wellbeing, recovery, and successful reintegration into society.
On Aug 28, 2023, Syafiq courageously tried to save a child trapped in a house fire at RPR Batu Kawah, Kuching. Unfortunately, he got entangled in a live wire, resulting in electrocution and severe burns. Miraculously, he managed to escape the harrowing ordeal.
