National Kayak Athlete Seriously Injured After Drunk Driver Hits & Drags Her For 600M
Siti Nurul Masyitah is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Columbia Asia Hospital.
By Aqasha Nur’aiman — 16 May 2024, 11:12 AM
National kayak athlete and Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan (PIS) student Siti Nurul Masyitah Md Elias, 22, sustained severe injuries after being hit by a drunk driver on the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) highway on Saturday, 11 May
Johor Bahru Selatan district police chief ACP Raub Selamat confirmed that the suspect, a man in his 30s, was arrested the day after the incident, according to the Malay Mail.
He added that a breathalyser test revealed the suspect's alcohol level was above the legal limit, although a urine analysis did not show traces of narcotics use.
Meanwhile, the PIS Mechanical Engineering Student Association released a statement stating that the athlete, a sixth-semester Diploma in Mechanical Engineering student, was hit and dragged for 600m by the drunk driver.
"According to witnesses and recordings, a car suspected of swerving collided with the victim and dragged her for approximately 600m. The victim is currently being treated at Columbia Asia Hospital for very serious injuries." the statement read.
The national kayak and Dragon Boat athlete, who won a silver medal at the 2023 SEA Games, is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the private hospital
Her brother, Muhamad Syafiq, 29, said that Siti Nurul Masyitah underwent surgery for fractures in her pelvis and right shoulder and is now in stable condition, reported Sinar Harian.
"Both surgeries were done simultaneously, and the doctor mentioned that the upcoming procedure will be cosmetic surgery, as the skin cannot be taken from other parts of her body," he said.
Meanwhile, her mother, Saloma Ramli, 58, expressed hope for justice for her daughter.
"I am very saddened by the accident that happened to her, and I hope the perpetrator is dealt with appropriately by the authorities," she said.
Johor youth, sports, entrepreneur development, and cooperatives committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah visited the athlete and stated that the state government will continue to monitor her progress and provide assistance for her treatment.
