Ex-chemical sprayer gets RM257,000 for injuries and loss of job

JOHOR BARU: Former subcontractor Mohamad Yusof used to be an active person who earned well cleaning tankers, not just in Malaysia, but also in Singapore and Indonesia.

Unfortunately, an industrial accident nine years ago rendered the 48-year-old man blind and jobless.

Mohamad, who has been awarded RM256,885.32 in damages by the High Court, said he hoped to rebuild his life with the money.

“This is great news to me and my family as life had been very difficult for us since I lost my job and eyesight,” he said, adding that two of his five children were still in school.

This is great news to me and my family as life had been very difficult for us since I lost my job and eyesight. — MOHAMAD YUSOF

Judicial Commissioner M. Gunalan held defendants KT & R Engineering Construction Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Shipyard and Engineering Sdn Bhd liable and negligent in taking the necessary safety procedures.

Gunalan awarded RM180,000 for the loss of sight, RM50,000 for loss of earning, RM17,220.89 for medical expenses, RM9,664.43 for transport expenses and other costs amounting to RM4,000.

In his statement of claim filed via his lawyer N. Mariappan in 2005, Mohamad said he had worked as a chemical sprayer for Malaysia Shipyard Engineering Sdn Bhd in Pasir Gudang.

On Jan 25, 2004, as Mohamad was spraying the chemical inside a tanker, he started experiencing vision problems, resulting in him being warded at Sultanah Aminah Hospital.

Mohamad had also sought treatment from specialists to treat his blindness.

The Sessions Court had earlier ruled in favour of the defendants and Mohamad had filed an appeal with the High Court.