PETALING JAYA: Motorcyclist, Azlan Mahmud, 56, expressed his relief after a metal rod was successfully removed from his skull.
The accident occurred in Sik, Kedah, when his motorcycle lost control and veered into a ditch on Saturday.
The metal rod pierced his skull through his right cheek causing serious injury.
"Alhamdulillah, the iron has been successfully removed", said Azlan.
The father of five had suffered the injury after the motorcycle he was riding skidded into a ditch in Kampung Bukit Hangus in Jeneri.
He said he was grateful for having completed a two-hour surgery to remove the iron rod, and that doctors confirmed on Sunday morning that the injuries did not cause serious complications.
Azlan said he was glad to be alive following the traffic incident, reported Sinar Harian.
"Thankfully, I am still alive and the iron rod was successfully removed without having to undergo complicated surgery early this morning.
"I was lucky because the iron rod did not hit the brain," he told reporters at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) in Sungai Petani yesterday.
Recalling the incident, Azlan, who works as a contractor and lives on Jalan Jeniang, Gurun, said he was building a drain barrier in Kampung Bukit Hangus, Sik, at the request of the villagers to make it easier for them to take out their oil palm products.
"I had just finished mixing cement and wanted to get a water pump using a three-wheeled motorcycle belonging to a friend in a nearby village.
"While going down the hill, the motorcycle suddenly skidded into a construction site, causing a pile of iron to pierce my cheek and head.
"I tried to get up and move my head, but I was helpless.
"I could only hold my hand up to stop the blood from flowing," he said.
He said fortunately, two villagers who came to see the construction work were shocked to find Azlan with his head pierced by the iron.
"They immediately cut the iron using a cutting tool to make it easier for me to move," said Azlan, adding that he was then sent to Sik Hospital before being referred to the HSAH for further treatment.
His youngest son Muhd Aliff Mohd Azlan, 22, is grateful that his father's condition is improving.
"Thankfully, my father is safe and did not suffer any serious injuries, even though the pictures that went viral look gruesome.
"God willing, based on his health, it is likely that my father will be allowed to discharge from hospital soon," he said.
