By DARYLL LAW & ABANG FARID ABANG TAHA
KUCHING: A survivor of the deadly blast that claimed three lives at CityONE Megamall here last year is still suffering from the effects of the ordeal.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune, Mohd Uzai’r Uqbah Abu Bakar said he was still traumatised and finding it hard to get back to normal.
During the ill-fated day, the 20-year-old managed to escape to safety despite suffering burns over 40% of his body.
He said that after the incident, he found it hard to work at food and beverage places or at a petrol station.
“I still feel traumatised. I am sensitive to loud noises such as fireworks. They terrify me.
“Because of this, I am very particular about my work surroundings and places. I try to avoid working at places with kitchen stoves or gas,” he said.
“I don’t feel normal. Sometimes when I look at my scarred skin, I feel angry and frustrated,” said Uzai’r, who spent four months in the hospital.
“I feel different. I can’t be exposed to heat. I have to wear extra precaution to protect my skin now.
“I also feel ashamed of myself to the extent that I prefer wearing long-sleeved shirts anywhere I go. I lack confidence in mingling with others,” said a clearly distraught Uzai’r.
He hoped that the public could aid him in his unfortunate situation.
Currently unemployed, he wished that he would be offered a job to get by.
Forty-one people were injured in the explosion, attributed to a gas leak.
