Firefighter injured in temple fracas critically ill, says IJN

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, the firefighter who was gravely injured in the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple fracas, is critically ill, according to the National Heart Institute (IJN).

IJN, in a statement today, said Muhammad Adib has suffered progressive deterioration of his lung function in the last 24 hours.

It said that a thorough assessment showed signs of consolidation and hardening of the lung tissue, thus making gas exchange ineffective.

"This is as the result of his severe initial lung injury. At the same time, his renal function also has not improved where he continues to require dialysis support," IJN said.

In view of this and after a multi-discipline team discussion, IJN said, it was decided to reinsert the veno-venous ECMO system again at 9 pm yesterday to assist in his respiratory requirements.

"As such, Muhammad Adib is critically ill. In view of Muhammad Adib's condition, visitations are limited. We urge all Malaysians to continue praying for Muhammad Adib's recovery," IJN said.

Muhammad Adib was allegedly beaten up by several people on Nov 27 during the riots near the temple caused by a dispute over the proposed relocation of the house of worship.

Meanwhile, in IPOH, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he hoped that the use of the veno-venous ECMO can stabilise Muhammad Adib’s condition. The device is said to be able to assist three vital organs, namely heart, lungs and kidneys, at one time.

“We hope that the best team of the specialists attending to him can provide him the best care. The ECMO is the best device that can address the critical condition that he is in now.

“There is no reason or cause for him to become critically ill but we know that the trauma he underwent is very serious. Let’s all pray for him to get out of this critical condition immediately and stabilise,” he said.

Dzulkefly spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the Amanah National Convention 2018 at the Casuarina Convention Centre in Meru.

Following this latest development, Housing and Local Government Minister  Zuraida Kamaruddin visited him at IJN.

“He looked better and could move his limbs. I was made to understand it is the internal injury that they have to focus on now,” she told reporters afterwards.

She also expressed confidence that he would be able to recover because he was still very young.

The Fire and Rescue Department comes under her ministry.

-- BERNAMA