.png)
KOTA BHARU – A Malaysian injured in a bomb explosion in Narathiwat, Thailand, says he was asleep in the car when the blast occurred and only realised what had happened afterwards.
Abdullah Syarapi Abd Rahman, 45, recounted the terrifying moment after the Proton X50 sports utility vehicle (SUV) he was travelling in with his friend, Muhammad Yusri Udin, 38, was hit by the explosion.
The hospital staff member from Selangor said he and his friend, who also worked in the healthcare sector, were on their way home after spending the night in Thailand.
He said they had travelled there for a meal and that he was seated in the passenger seat during the incident, while Muhammad Yusri was driving.
“I was sleepy because I had eaten. When I woke up, the explosion had already happened.
“Alhamdulillah, I only suffered minor injuries to my head, forehead, hands and thighs,” he said when met by reporters while receiving treatment at the emergency ward of Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II) here on Tuesday.
Abdullah, who is from Gaal, Pasir Puteh and is unmarried, said his family had been informed of his condition.
He said the Thai authorities had been very helpful by offering to treat both of them until they had fully recovered and by assisting with all necessary arrangements.
“However, considering our work commitments, my friend and I requested to receive treatment here in Kelantan,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Yusri, who is from Sabah, also suffered minor injuries and remained in stable condition.
The two victims arrived at HRPZ II at 11.20am after being transferred from Sungai Golok, Thailand, by ambulance.
Earlier, Sinar Harian reported on Monday that two Malaysians were injured after the vehicle they were travelling in was hit by a bomb planted inside a culvert near the Sapom three-way junction, the route leading to the Tak Bai district in Kampung Phrai Wan, Mukim Phrai Wan, Narathiwat.
The incident was believed to have occurred at about 11.41am local time and prompted the complete closure of the road to allow the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and forensic teams to conduct investigations and detailed inspections at the scene.
