KUCHING: A ray of hope shines in the life of 17-year-old Muhammad Firdaus Irwandi, thanks to the gift of prosthetic legs and hands that he recently received.
He was one of the recipients of the Free Prosthetic Implant Charity Programme 2023 held at the Bandarsah Anak Seni Organisation Building here on Wednesday (Aug 23).
“I feel very grateful and happy to receive two prosthetic legs and a hand today.
“Once fitted, they are comfortable and well-suited. I’ve even taken my first steps with these prosthetic limbs shortly after receiving them,” he said to reporters later.
According to Firdaus, he had an accident on March 16, while he was working as a food delivery driver.
The mishap marked a turning point in his life as a student at Sekolah Menengah Kebangasan Tun Abang Haji Openg.
“I lost half of my right hand and severely injured the fronts of both legs. It was an incredibly distressing time for me.
“However, now I’m filled with eagerness to return to school, as I now have prosthetic legs and hands, walking is also becoming more stable,” added Firdaus, who is currently preparing for his SPM examination.
Looking forward, Firdaus expressed hope such programmes will continue to be organised so as to extend their transformative impact to others in dire need, like himself.
Meanwhile, his father Irwandy Zainuddin, 44, who accompanied him, also expressed his happiness.
“I am very grateful to the sponsor for giving my child these prosthetic legs and arms.
“It makes it easier for Firdaus to move after this, and I’m also not too worried about the situation at school because I’m sure he can walk stably,” he said.
Suharto Shariff, 57, who is the enforcement officer of Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) also received a prosthetic leg on the same day.
He said the loss of his leg was due to serious health complications.
“ It all began with a sprain, which later escalated into a severe infection, necessitating the amputation. In addition, I have been battling diabetes and kidney problems,” he disclosed.
He added that this was his second prosthetic leg, the first one having been provided by DBKU at a cost of approximately RM5,000.
“I have been using prosthetic legs for two years. When I found out about the donation programme organised by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Satok, I came to measure my leg in accordance to the specifications given by the sponsor.
“For me, this programme is very beneficial because it provided prosthetic legs for free, making it easier for me and others,” he said.
