A day in the life of a caregiver: Julia attending to Mohamad Syafiq when met by reporters at the Stutong Height Phase II Apartment. — Bernama
KUCHING: Civil defence volunteer Mohamad Syafiq Mohamad Ali Hanaffiah suffered severe burns when he rushed into a fire to try and save a boy.
Months later, the 34-year-old, who is now bedridden, is still screaming in pain whenever his wounds are dressed.
His mother, Julia Jemat, 56, said his wounds needed to be dressed every two days.
“He has to be strong because it is a very painful process. It breaks my heart to see him screaming in pain. He is also unable to sleep due to the pain.
“We were informed that the wounds on his body would take a year to dry and a full recovery would take three years,” said the single mother of six when met at her home recently.
Mohamad Syafiq was discharged from the hospital at the end of November last year after being treated for third-degree burns over 75% of his body. He is currently undergoing burn rehabilitation at home with treatment costs fully sponsored by the Teddy Medical Clinic.
Unfortunately, he could not save the six-year-old boy, Zayyan Nazeem Zainal Abidin, who was killed in the fire at the Batu Kawa People’s Housing Project on Aug 28, 2023.
Julia, who works as a cook at the Kuching Narcotics Rehabilitation Centre, said although Mohamad Syafiq still could not speak clearly, she was relieved when doctors confirmed that his memory and vision had not been affected.
“I have always pinned my hopes on him as he is the eldest son and shares the family responsibilities. I also have a spinal problem that needs surgery but had to postpone it to care for my son. He still needs to be taken to the hospital for regular check-ups,” she said, trying to hold back tears.
Julia said her income was insufficient to cover his treatment which costs about RM3,000 per month for just medicine and food.
“The doctor has now suggested physiotherapy because he cannot move on his own and needs to have at least two or three sessions weekly.
“This would be an additional cost of about RM3,000 per month,” said Julia, who also sells nasi lemak to earn extra income.
Sarawak’s Women, Children, and Community Welfare Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang had earlier visited the family and given their assurances that Mohamad Syafiq would be provided with suitable treatment.
“It is painful for me to witness his suffering and the burden is heavier to bear. But I am grateful to Yang Berhormat who visited us and extended help. It eased our application to the Social Welfare Department and Baitulmal,” said Julia, who is also a caregiver to her other child with epilepsy.
She said through the Social Welfare Department, Mohamad Syafiq would be provided with a bed, diapers, special milk formula and a RM500 monthly allowance starting in February.
Last December, the then Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali presented Mohamad Syafiq with the ‘Bintang Gagah Berani Pertahanan Awam’ award for his heroic deed.
