Features
Myanmar Boy Survived The F by Puk Lim See Tho, PJN6
What was meant to be a routine chore
to make an instant noodle supper on 30 April by a dad for his five-year-old son, Khaw Thang (Michael) turned out to be a nightmare for the family. Somehow the lit stove exploded and before they knew it, the tiny kitchen of their apartment had quickly caught fire. Despite frantic efforts to put it out, the fire spread wildly and little Michael who happened to be in the kitchen was caught in the flames. Although he was retrieved and sent to the hospital at once, it was later confirmed that more than 50% of his skinny body was severely burnt. He was admitted to the ICU of Klang General Hospital and a week later was transferred to the ICU of Selayang General Hospital. His dad was also burnt on his arms and legs but not as severe. Three weeks after the mishap, on 20 June, through a special arrangement between Joel Kap (President of Zomi Association Malaysia) and the ICU department of Selayang General Hospital, I was able to visit little Michael. It was a very meaningful date as it was World Refugees Day. We, however, could not meet his dad who was still recovering at home. Otherwise it would have been even more meaningful as the next day was Father’s Day. I had very much wanted to affirm and encourage him. To see a heavily-bandaged Michael writhing restlessly on the bed was indeed painful. As his lips and mouth were burnt, he had to be tube fed. Also, being sedated, he could not respond to me, so the best thing I could do was to pray a short prayer for him: “Lord, thank you for sparing Michael from being
