M'sian Woman Still Living With The Aftermath Of Her Father's Acid Attack 16 Years Later

It's been almost two decades since the incident that completely changed her life, but for Nurul Dahyatul Fazlinda, forgetting it is impossible, especially when the aftermath permanently altered her physical appearance.

Nurul Dahyatul, 24, affectionately known as Lin, was only eight years old when her face was permanently disfigured after her father splashed acid on her in the early hours of 15 August 2010. According to Nurul Dahyatul, she heard her parents arguing in the living room while she and her three siblings were in the bedroom.

"When they were arguing, we were in the bedroom, but my brother and I decided to check on them. I saw my father holding a white plastic bag containing some liquid. My parents were fighting over it and the plastic ended up tearing."

"The liquid turned out to be acid mixed with engine oil," she said in an interview with Sinar Harian two years ago.

Image Credit: Sinar Harian

Nurul Dahyatul, her brother Mohd Irfan, and their mother, Che Ku Zaiman Che Ku Awang, suffered injuries after the liquid splashed onto them. However, Nurul Dahyatul's injuries were the most severe, and she continues to undergo treatments such as surgery and laser therapy to repair the scars on her face, even after all these years.

The treatment process will take several more years

According to a report by Harian Metro, Nurul Dahyatul has undergone a total of five surgeries and has to visit Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) every month for laser treatment to soften the skin on her face.

When asked about her treatment journey, Nurul Dahyatul said the most painful procedure she endured was having a tissue expander inserted through the upper part of her forehead.

"Once it was in place, the doctors would inject medication into it so that a lump could form on my forehead, allowing the skin in the area to be used for the next procedure," she said.

In addition, doctors harvested cartilage to reconstruct her nose. Nurul Dahyatul said the scarring had caused her facial skin to lose its elasticity, making it difficult for her to breathe as her airways had become narrower.

Image Credit: Harian Metro

It is understood that the cost of her treatment, as well as travel expenses for her hospital visits in Kuala Lumpur, are being supported by Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and the Terengganu State Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIDAM).

Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and monthly laser treatments, Nurul Dahyatul said she had been informed that the treatment process would continue for several more years. Her next procedure is expected to take place at the end of this year and will involve reconstructing or replacing her nasal bone.

She never held a grudge against her father

While the experience was undeniably traumatic, Nurul Dahyatul said she considers it a test from God and does not hold any resentment towards her father.

Although her parents divorced after the incident and her father served a prison sentence for the attack, Nurul Dahyatul said he still visits her regularly as they continue to live near each other.

Featured Image Credit: Harian Metro, Buletin TV3