JOHOR BARU: A man claims he was beaten by a group of men after asking his friend to repay a loan.
Mohd Ahzan Husni, 35, said the incident occurred at 5.10pm on July 15 in Jalan Cendana, Kampung Setanggi.
He claimed that after he asked his friend to repay a loan, the friend became angry and called six other men to attack him.
Ahzan's mother, Norhayati A Razak, 53, said her son loaned his friend RM300 out of sympathy as he needed to buy milk for his child.
She claimed that her son's skull was fractured by the beating.
She said she had advised her son not to lend the friend the money as Ahzan needed it for his children too, but her son trusted his friend.
She said this today after receiving a visit from Permata Baiduri Malaysia president Faridah Hamzah.
Norhayati said as the family was about to leave the house when they heard Ahzan's cries for help.
She claimed the family saw six men, some of them wearing masks, beating her son with iron rods and helmets.
"We tried to stop the fight, but we were beaten, too. Ahzan was covered in blood, especially the left side of his face.
"The men fled. We took Ahzan to Sultanah Aminah Hospital and lodged a report at the Majidee police station on July 16."
She said Ahzan had to undergo several surgeries, including one to remove skull fragments.
She said veins on his head were still swollen, affecting his left eye's vision.
"His skull can't be operated on right now. Doctors estimate that he will need at least six months to a year to recover or up to four years.
"He only remembers me and does not recognise his father or his children. Ahzan has been caring for his children since he separated from his wife more than a year ago."
Norhayati said she was at a loss about Ahzan's future and her three grandchildren.
"His children still need milk and diapers. We also need financial support to care for Ahzan."
Johor Baru Selatan police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat confirmed that police received a report on the incident.
He said arrests had been made in connection with the case.