A private doctor has revealed that balloon vendor Za'imuddin Azlan risks permanent paralysis from a spine injury allegedly sustained during a highly publicised scuffle with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcers just before Hari Raya.
Dr Hafidz Rizal said that based on a preliminary medical report from the hospital where Za'imuddin was treated, the injury - classified as a T12 vertebra compression - appeared serious and he could be permanently paralysed.
"The medical report showed 'T12 compression', there are many complications that could arise from this and we are very worried as he has begun to feel numb and is unable to control urination.
"Among the complications we do not want is the risk of paralysis," Hafidz (above, left) told a press conference attended by the trader, his parents, and lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali.
The private practitioner, who was engaged to interpret Za'imuddin’s medical report, advised the vendor, who netizens fondly referred to as “Abang Belon”, to rest and avoid heavy labour for up to six months.
“We pray that he will recover within the next three to six months,” Hafidz added.
He said Za'imuddin was supposed to undergo inguinal hernia surgery on April 18.
"The surgery had to be postponed due to his injury," the doctor added.
Balloon brawl
In the March 28 incident, DBKL claimed Za'imuddin did not have a licence to conduct his business in the capital and was obstructing traffic.
The city hall said he refused to leave when told and pushed one of its enforcement officers to the ground, forcing them to restrain him.
The trader denied that he was evicted from the spot multiple times or that he acted aggressively.
DBKL's handling of the incident drew widespread condemnation from both sides of the political aisle.
Three DBKL enforcers have been put on leave and police are investigating the case.
Meanwhile, Rafique said his client is considering taking legal action as DBKL's brutal handling of the trader was not commensurate with the offence he was accused of.
"Many have said DBKL was only carrying out its duties as there was no licence (for the victim to do business). It's true that action could be taken against him, but was the action (being roughed up) befitting of the offence?
"Legal action may be taken once we receive the full medical report.” - Mkini
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