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A SPINAL injury suffered by 28-year-old Muhammad Zaimuddin Azlan, the balloon trader, could lead to permanent paralysis, according to a private medical practitioner.
The young man sustained serious injuries after an incident involving Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) enforcement officers last month.
Dr Mohd Hafidz Rizal Amran, a medical expert, explained that Zaimuddin’s injury involves a fracture in the T12 vertebra, a type of spinal compression fracture.
This kind of damage puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal cord area between T11 and L1, which could potentially lead to life-changing consequences if not treated properly.
"Once the vertebra fractures, a gap forms between T11 and L1, causing instability in the spinal column," Sinar Harian reported Dr Hafidz saying in a press conference on Sunday.
"This misalignment can compress the nerves and result in significant injury."
The doctor highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that without appropriate medical intervention, the injury could result in paralysis.
Zaimuddin, who works as a private medical officer, previously filed a police report after claiming he was assaulted by DBKL enforcement officers on March 28.
This followed an altercation during a street goods seizure operation on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which was captured in a viral video. Zaimuddin sought medical attention at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang and was treated for his injuries, but it was not until a week later that he filed the police report.
According to Dr Hafidz, the pressure caused by the fractured vertebra could lead to other complications, including "rectal incontinence" – a loss of control over bowel movements. Such injuries are considered highly serious and should be avoided at all costs.
“The fracture in Zaimuddin's spine creates an unstable structure that could restrict movement if not managed early on," Dr Hafidz explained. “The cast used to support the spine will hopefully assist in his recovery, which may take between three to six months."
Zaimuddin was scheduled for a hernia operation on April 18, which was meant to address an enlarged scrotum.
However, this surgery has now been postponed due to his spinal injury, which is the priority for treatment. Dr Hafidz confirmed that Zaimuddin's recovery from the back injury is critical, as excessive movement could worsen the damage.
“The pain is intense, with Zaimuddin rating it between eight and nine out of ten,” Dr Hafidz added.
“This reflects the severity of the pain, particularly as the injury affects both sides of his body and involves the nerves.”
As part of his treatment, Zaimuddin was issued a 48-day medical leave certificate, during which time he is unable to work. His usual livelihood, selling balloons, has been put on hold as he faces a challenging road to recovery.
Zaimuddin’s case has garnered significant public attention, with many concerned about the impact of such incidents on the safety and well-being of individuals in similar situations. April 6, 2025
