Woman Still Bears Facial Scars 16 Years After Surviving Acid Attack By Her Father

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Nurul Dahyatul Fazlinda Mat Haizan, 24, still bears facial scars despite undergoing numerous surgeries after her father splashed acid on her when she was 8 years old

In August 2010, Nurul Dahyatul's father splashed rubber acid on her, her younger brother, and her mother during an argument at their home.

She suffered the most severe injuries, with burns to her face and eyes. Her father was subsequently jailed over the incident and was released in 2017.

Speaking to Harian Metro, Nurul Dahyatul said she is still living with the consequences of the incident and continues to undergo surgery and laser therapy to treat her scars.

She has undergone five surgeries so far and visits Hospital Kuala Lumpur every month for treatment to soften the scar tissue on her face.

"The procedure, which involved making an incision at the top of my forehead before inserting a tissue expander, was the most painful.

"Once it was in place, doctors gradually injected medicine to allow a lump to form. The expanded skin would later be harvested for the next stage of surgery," she said, adding that the procedure took 10 hours.

Doctors also harvested cartilage to reconstruct her nose and widen her narrowing nasal airway, as the scarring from the acid had reduced the elasticity of her facial skin and made it difficult for her to breathe.

Nurul Dahyatul's treatment and travel expenses to the hospital are supported by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and the Terengganu State Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs (MAIDAM)

She was informed that her treatment will continue for several more years before she fully recovers.

"Although there is still no end in sight, I have to continue with the lengthy treatment process to protect my health and avoid complications, instead of leaving my condition untreated as before.

"The hospital has become like my second home because I have to attend monthly follow-up appointments, including another surgery scheduled for the end of this year," she said.

Despite the lengthy and ongoing treatment process, she said she was grateful that she could breathe properly again.

She added that her next surgery, scheduled for the end of the year, will involve replacing or reconstructing her nasal bone.

Over the past few years, she has been helping her mother run a stall in front of their home while continuing to undergo treatment.

She also told Harian Metro that she does not hold any resentment towards her father, who now visits her regularly.