Workplace Accident Changes A Father’s Life, But Not His Determination

By Noornasrin Salsabila Othman

PASIR MAS, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Losing his right hand in a workplace accident has not only changed the life of Muhamad Aidi Ilham Mohd Sakri, 31, but also affected his wife and three young children, as he is no longer able to earn a living as he did before. 

Since the incident on June 26, his family now depends on the Temporary Disablement Benefit (HUS) payments of about RM1,200 a month from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), subject to the duration of the medical leave certificate. 

For the family, the payments have become their main source of income to meet daily needs while Aidi Ilham undergoes treatment and rehabilitation. 

Recalling the incident, Aidi Ilham said it happened at about 8 am while he was cleaning a wood-processing machine at a factory in Batu Karang here, when his right hand got caught in the machine as he tried to remove sawdust. 

“Everything happened so quickly. I never imagined that day would be the last time I could use my right hand as I normally did,” he told Bernama at his home in Kampung Chasi, Tok Uban, here recently. 

He said after the incident, he received treatment at Tanah Merah Hospital for five days before being discharged. 

The father of three children, aged between one and five years, said he used to earn about RM500 a week before the accident but is now unable to work after losing his right hand. 

He said the situation had affected his family's finances, especially as his wife, Nur Syafawati Roslan, 29, is a full-time housewife with three young children. 

“Previously, I could work to support my family, but now everything has changed. Alhamdulillah, PERKESO’s assistance has helped us a lot. At least we have money to buy groceries, meet the children’s needs and pay the rent,” he said. 

Aidi Ilham said his family’s expenses amounted to about RM800 a month, excluding other commitments, while their house is rented for RM100 a month. 

Aidi Ilham said he is still undergoing follow-up treatment, including consultations with an orthopaedic specialist and physiotherapy sessions once a month at Lati Hospital as part of his recovery. 

He is also awaiting the process of obtaining a prosthetic hand provided by PERKESO to help him carry out daily activities. 

Despite the major changes in his life, Aidi Ilham said he remained hopeful of returning to work when his condition permitted, so that he could continue providing for his wife and children. 

“If my condition allows, I really want to return to work because I have many responsibilities to fulfil. Thankfully, PERKESO’s assistance has greatly eased my family’s burden while I am still unable to return to work,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Kelantan PERKESO director Wan Izani Wan Isa said RM5.32 million had been paid in HUS benefits for 913 employment injury cases in the Kota Bharu and Kuala Krai districts in Kelantan, from January to September this year. 

He said that during the same period, 174 non-employment injury cases were recorded, with payments totalling RM191,094.22. 

Wan Izani said the payments underscored the importance of social security protection for workers who sustain injuries that affect their ability to earn a living. 

He said in Aidi Ilham’s case, the HUS payments help ensure his family has the financial means to meet basic needs throughout his recovery, while he adapts to life after losing his right hand.

-- BERNAMA