KUALA LUMPUR: "It feels like getting a second chance at life. When I look back at the severe injuries I sustained from the accident, it seems almost unreal that I am still here today," said Ameyza Ya'acob, a VIP bodyguard.
Ameyza, who previously served high-profile figures such as Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, and Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (then Deputy Prime Minister), was involved in a serious road accident on July 14.
She was riding an NVX scooter when it collided with an SUV on the Plus Highway near Sungkai, Perak.
At the time, Ameyza was traveling from Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur with friends.
"I didn't have time to avoid the SUV, which had stopped in the emergency lane to switch drivers. Fortunately, I wasn't thrown into the middle of the highway; otherwise, other vehicles might have hit me," she said.
Following the accident, Ameyza was first taken to Sungkai Hospital and later transferred to Sungai Buloh Hospital for further treatment.
Her injuries included a perforated intestine, grade five kidney damage, and severe lung complications.
Her right leg was broken in three places, and her left leg suffered a broken thigh and shattered knee.
"I was closely monitored in the ICU due to the severe internal injuries and underwent several surgeries.
Alhamdulillah, after 16 days, I was moved to a regular ward.
During nearly a month of hospitalisation, I could only fast and rely on milk through a tube. Gradually, I was allowed to eat and drink," she said, expressing gratitude that her arms were unharmed.
Ameyza is now undergoing rehabilitation and physiotherapy in her hometown of Kuala Krai, Kelantan. Once she has fully recovered, she plans to resume her work as a bodyguard in Sarawak.
"Two months after the accident, I am able to walk slowly with the aid of crutches. I'm not rushing the process because it's crucial for my internal injuries and fractures to heal completely.
Despite the hardship, the silver lining has been the extra time spent with my family, which has been a rare treat due to work demands," she said.
Before becoming a professional bodyguard, Ameyza served with the Royal Malaysia Police Special Actions Unit (UTK) until the end of 2019.