10-10-2023 (SINGAPORE) The family of a young Malaysian chef, Muhammad Mahdi, who was severely injured in a road accident in Singapore, is appealing for financial support to cover his substantial hospital expenses, which have surged to S$125,000.
Singaporean police reported that the accident occurred on the Seletar Expressway around 9 a.m. on September 8.
On that fateful day, Muhammad Mahdi was a passenger on a motorbike, traveling alongside his colleague. They had entered Singapore from Johor and were en route to Meokja, a Korean restaurant located on Selegie Road where both of them were employed.
During their journey, as Mahdi’s colleague attempted to change lanes into the right lane, he lost control of the motorbike, resulting in both riders falling from the vehicle.
Tragically, Mahdi was struck by an oncoming lorry, which caused him to sustain three spinal fractures and a broken left arm.
The 23-year-old chef was immediately rushed to the intensive care unit at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. There, he underwent multiple surgical procedures to have three metal plates inserted into his spine, along with an additional plate in his arm.
Speaking to The Straits Times, Mahdi’s sister, Nor Aini, disclosed that her younger brother was administered morphine for a duration of three weeks following the surgery to alleviate his pain. Presently, he remains bedridden, capable of only moving his head.
Aini noted, “The pain is not there anymore, but the doctor said it will take three to six months to see if he can stand up and walk.” She further revealed that the 31-year-old motorcyclist, also a chef at the same Korean restaurant, had suffered a bruised lung and several broken ribs.
Aini recounted that her brother had previously worked as a courier in their hometown in Johor, but had harbored aspirations of working in Singapore. Consequently, she informed him about the job opportunity at the restaurant where she also worked.
“My company was looking for a chef, and I told my bosses about him. They tried him out, and he seemed to be a fit, so they hired him,” Aini said. Mahdi had just begun his employment in September, less than a week before the unfortunate accident occurred. For the initial days, he commuted to work using public transport, but, as Aini explained, “just that day, he and his friend decided to ride a motorcycle in.”
While her brother’s insurance provides coverage with a claim limit of $60,000, their employer is currently assisting in covering the excess amount through installment payments.
However, Aini is appealing to the public to contribute to the “spine fund” for her brother, allowing them to settle the overwhelming medical bill without burdening their employer further.
She expressed her hope that her brother can soon return to Johor to continue his treatment, emphasizing that the medical expenses in Singapore are exorbitant.
Medical professionals have informed Aini that Mahdi is unlikely to be able to commute to Singapore daily for work even after his recovery. Consequently, she has developed a contingency plan for him, stating, “We will open our own stall in Malaysia – just a small kiosk, so we can work while standing up, and he does not have to walk around so much. Anything for him to live his dream.”
