KUALA LANGAT: Tragedy struck Mohd Amir Ridzuan Mohamad Zamri, 26, on July 29, 2019, when he stopped to assist a motorcyclist on the side of the highway while on his way to class.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Amir was hit by a car in a hit-and-run incident that left him permanently paralysed from the waist down, just weeks before his university final exams.
Upon hearing from the doctor that his spinal cord was damaged, and he would never walk again, Amir remembers laughing it off.
"I told him, it's OK. I'll pray later," Amir recounts his conversation with the doctor.
"Alhamdulillah, I managed to take the exam on the hospital bed."
Despite his positive outlook, Amir acknowledges the immense challenges he faced.
"When it comes to acceptance, I always try to be a positive person no matter what happens. But it's impossible to say I've never felt sad being faced with such a huge test, and it was very difficult to start life as a disabled person. In fact, it took me two years to recover, especially with the bedsores on my back I had developed."
However, Amir is grateful for the strength he's gained, thanks to the prayers of his mother and everyone who knows him.
"From being bedridden and unable to do anything, even lifting my hand to eat, to being able to drive a car and live independently– it has all made me stronger," he said.
Amir has since decided to share his experience of living as a paraplegic on social media. On TikTok and Instagram, under the handle @_amirchau, Amir posts reels about his daily routines.
"My intention in sharing is to show the public how I live my life normally, such as praying, working, watching movies, and driving on my own."
Amir explained that one of the greatest challenges for people with disabilities is accessibility.
"Most places, from eateries to buildings, may have ramps or facilities, but they are not built according to proper specifications. This is the biggest issue we face as the disabled community in Malaysia, so I try to emphasise this to raise awareness among the public."
Despite these challenges, Amir is grateful for the kindness and support he has received.
"So far, the acceptance and treatment from those around me have been excellent, and I honestly say that Malaysians are very kind, as can be seen in my TikTok posts. Family, friends, and outsiders have all given us great support," he said.
It took him five months to get his driver's licence and modify his car to drive independently.
Looking ahead, Amir is determined to continue striving to improve himself despite his limitations, aiming for success not only in this world but also in the hereafter.
"Alhamdulillah, I do not see my disability as limiting. Rather, it has taught me to appreciate just how precious life is. I value the blessings I have because I believe that what remains will surely be given by Allah SWT in the hereafter," he added.