Temple riots: Dr Dzulkefly says injured fireman is recovering, urges Malaysians to pray for him

KUALA LUMPUR: Fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, who was in critical condition after suffering severe injuries during a temple riot, is showing further progress, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

The Health Minister said that Muhammad Adib, 24, suffered from multiple rib fractures and pneumothorax (an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space between the lung and the chest) and the team from various specialties at the National Heart Institute (IJN) had been working round-the-clock to provide care for him.

“Adip is getting better. His prognosis is good, but we still need to pray a lot for him,” he said.

Dr Dzulkefly added that Muhammad Adib was still hooked on machines that took over the functions of his heart, lungs and kidneys.

“I'm made to understand that he will be weaned off from sedation as he recovers,” he said in a press conference at the IJN here on Thursday morning (Nov 29).

Dr Dzulkefly urged the whole country to pray for his recovery.

“Our IJN team is working round-the-clock and we hope he will recover and return to his job,” he said.

He urged those on social media to avoid spreading speculative news and rumours, and to get their information from those in authority to avoid conflicting news.

Asked whether there was an investigative report on the cause of Muhammad Adib’s injuries, Dr Dzulkefly said it would be communicated by the authority responsible.

Muhammad Adib was critically injured in the line of duty after he and his fellow firemen responded to an emergency at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in USJ 25 on Monday (Nov 26) night.

He was admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital before being sent to the National Heart Institute for his chest injuries.