Home again: Malaysian Tak Bai bomb survivors now under treatment in Kota Bharu hospital

KOTA BHARU, June 30 — Two Malaysian men who were injured in a bomb explosion in Tak Bai, Narathiwat, southern Thailand yesterday were transferred to Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital (HRPZII) in Kota Bharu today for further medical treatment.

HRPZII director Dr Izamin Idris said the victims, Abdullah Syarapi Abd Rahman, 45, and Muhammad Yusri Udin, 38, would first undergo assessment at the Emergency Department before receiving subsequent treatment.

“The victims arrived at the hospital at 10.50 am today from Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Hospital via the Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex.

“They will undergo an initial examination before a decision is made on whether they require admission to a ward or can be discharged,” he told reporters at the hospital compound today.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Syarapi described the incident as a life-changing experience and said he felt as though he had been given a second chance at life after surviving the blast.

He said the incident was the most terrifying experience he had ever faced and one he would never forget.

“Maybe Allah still gave us a chance. Although the explosion left me seriously injured, both my friend and I survived,” he said, adding that he would continue treatment for injuries to his head and legs.

Muhammad Yusri, who was driving the Proton X50 involved, said the incident came unexpectedly and left a lasting emotional impact.

“The explosion happened suddenly and caused my vehicle to stop. At that moment, I saw Abdullah injured, especially on his head, likely due to the force of the blast,” he said, adding that he escaped with minor injuries.

In the incident at about 11.40 am yesterday, the two victims were travelling from Tak Bai to Narathiwat town when they were caught in a bomb attack targeting a vehicle belonging to a district security volunteer team.

Narathiwat Police Chief Major General Prayong Khoksakha said preliminary investigations found that the improvised explosive device (IED), estimated to weigh about 70 kilogrammes, had been detonated using a mobile phone.

The intended target was believed to be a vehicle from the Sungai Golok volunteer team travelling in the right lane at the time of the explosion. — Bernama