A Fireman Was Attacked By A Mob At The Seafield Temple Riot. Here Are The Latest Updates
The fireman was reportedly dragged out of his vehicle and beaten up by rioters shortly after arriving at the scene.
By Samantha Khor — 27 Nov 2018, 06:45 PM
Less than 24 hours after the initial brawl, yet another riot erupted at a temple in Seafield, Subang Jaya.
This time, a 24-year-old fireman is reported to have suffered critical injuries after he was attacked by rioters at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple at about 1am today, 27 November.
New Straits Times reported that Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, an officer of the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue Station's Emergency Response System's (EMRS), has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Subang Jaya Medical Centre.
Reported to be in critical condition, he is currently placed on life support and is under continuous supervision by five specialists.
According to Malaysiakini, Muhammad Adib was dragged out of his vehicle and beaten up by an angry mob shortly after arriving at the scene
In a press conference, Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin revealed that the victim is suffering from multiple broken ribs as well as bruises on his chest and abdomen
"His ribs which were broken punctured the lung, leading to breathing difficulties," Zuraida said, as quoted by Malay Mail Online.
She added that the ministry will provide support for the victim and his family, and called on the public to pray for the victim's speedy recovery.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, who was also at the press conference, revealed that firemen deployed to the scene were forced to leave the site when the mob became aggressive towards them
"Firefighters were deployed after receiving a distress call on a car that caught fire at about 1am. A fire engine and seven firemen, as well as an EMRS vehicle with its two staff were rushed to the scene," Mohammad Hamdan was quoted as saying by New Straits Times.
"Upon arrival, they found themselves surrounded by the rioters who started throwing stones and tried to hurt the staff on duty," he said, adding that the operation commander immediately ordered the staff to retreat upon seeing the commotion.
Mohammad Hamdan added that the victim's colleagues did not realise he was missing until they returned to the Subang Jaya fire station
"The other rescuers then called his mobile phone. The public who answered the call informed them that the victim had been rushed to the hospital," he said.
Muhammad Adib, who is from Kedah, is due to get married next month
In a heartfelt Facebook post, his fiancée Nurul Najihah wrote, "You are strong. Wake up soon, Muhammad Adib.
Please pray for my fiancé. I do not have the strength to see you like this."
Meanwhile, Subang Jaya assemblyperson Michelle Ng has announced that the Selangor state government will bear the victim's medical costs in an Instagram post
The incident involving Muhammad Adib happened less than 24 hours after a scuffle erupted between two groups at the Seafield temple. Several vehicles were set ablaze during the brawl, which also injured at least two people.
It was reported that a riot erupted due to a misunderstanding surrounding the temple's impending relocation.
New Straits Times reported that 21 people have been arrested so far in connection to the violent incident. Selangor police chief Datuk Mazlan Mansor also clarified that there are "no racial elements" involved in the altercation.