HKL care has cyclist in high spirits
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore para cyclist Abdul Alim Mohamed Hanifah’s participation in the Asean Para Games ended disappointingly early after a fall on Sunday, in his first outing at the Games.
However, the treatment he received at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) has left him feeling much better.
He was hospitalised after he slipped and fell during the Men’s 1km Time Trial race at the National Velodrome here.
“The moment I slipped and slid down, I hit my pelvic area and could have fractured some bones.
“However, I’m in good hands because people here are treating me very well,” he said when met at the hospital yesterday.
In 2002, the lower part of his right leg had to be amputated after he was involved in a road accident in Singapore.
He was waiting at the traffic light and was pinned underneath a lorry and dragged for about 10m.
As a result, his right leg was amputated and he had to quit his job as a maintenance technician since he could no longer carry heavy machinery or climb the ladder to conduct repair work.
Despite being hospitalised for two months, he refused to give up and started to train in competitive cycling.
Abdul Alim, 44, will return to Singapore after he is discharged.
He said everything went smooth- ly during his surgery at HKL.
“I was informed that I will probably be discharged tomorrow.
“This is my first time competing in the Asean Para Games. I am still in high spirits and will continue training,” he said.
Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon, who visited the sportsman, thanked the HKL staff and the Malaysian Government for extending assistance to Abdul Alim.
“He was brought to the hospital on Sunday and underwent surgery on the same day.
“I must thank the doctors and staff for their dedication and swift response. He is recovering well. We were told he is looking forward to participating in future events and getting back to cycling,” he added.
Menon hoped that Abdul Alim would be able to return to Singapore by the end of the week.