GUA MUSANG: Driven by sheer survival instinct, Muhammad Zaki found the strength to escape a sun bear attack and ran nearly 500 meters despite severe injuries to his head and eyes.
His father, rubber tapper Che Mohamed Konok, said his 33-year-old son managed to get help from several villagers in Kampung Dalam Senduk near Jerek in the incident on Sept 8.
"My son is really strong. While in pain, he escaped from the sun bear and left the jungle, running toward the main road.
"He told villagers who rescued him that he was attacked by a sun bear and managed to escape from the animal.
"He was lucky that it did not chase him.
"The villagers then rushed him to Jerek health clinic before informing me (about the incident)," he said when contacted.
Due to his serious injuries, Zaki was transferred to Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital (HUSM) in Kubang Kerian the next day, he said.
The fifth of nine siblings is now recovering at HUSM's Intensive Care Unit.
"He still cannot speak, but doctors said he is recovering after undergoing three major surgeries.
"My ex-wife Mek Esah Che Omar, 60, and my daughter were at the hospital to take care of Zaki who is still unmarried," he added.
It was reported that the victim was setting bird traps in the forest when the attack occurred about 3.30pm on Sunday.