KUALA LUMPUR – Asian Canoe Confederation (ACC) board director Datuk Michael Wong is committed to ensuring that national kayak athlete Siti Nurul Masyitah Md Elias receives the justice she deserves in the wake of her recent accident.
As a lawyer, Michael has reached out to Masyitah’s family to gather the necessary information for legal assistance.
Speaking to Scoop, Michael, who is also a former president of the Malaysia Canoe Association (MASCA), said that while he is no longer affiliated with MASCA, Masyitah was once part of the squad he prepared for the Cambodia SEA Games last year in the traditional boat race event.
Masyitah, 22, sustained severe injuries including fractures to her right shoulder, hip bone, and leg in an accident at KM3.5 of the Eastern Dispersal Link Highway on Saturday.
She is currently reported to be in “a very serious” condition.
Currently, the driver accused of hitting Masyitah has been brought to the Johor Bahru magistrates’ court today. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
“From a criminal perspective, the driver has been charged under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987, for driving under the influence of alcohol. I will assist Masyitah in handling this case.
“Secondly, I will help Masyitah make an insurance claim. We will look at all the injuries Masyitah has suffered from and file a civil claim.
“For the costs, as the former president, I will bear them fully. So Masyitah and her family need not worry.
“I have instructed my personal assistant to go to Johor to obtain the necessary documents, such as the police report. Once we have everything, we will initiate a civil claim against the driver.
“Masyitah was once my athlete, and I cannot bear to see someone hurt my athlete,” said Michael.
Meanwhile, MASCA president Raja Shahrul Azremel Raja Sahar expressed gratitude for the help extended by Michael and said that the governing body is also committed to assisting Masyitah’s family.
Plans include initiating a crowdfunding campaign to alleviate the family’s financial strain, particularly as Masyitah often commutes from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan in Pasir Gudang to care for her ailing parents.
It is understood that Masyitah frequently commuted from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan in Pasir Gudang to her home in Pontian to take care of her ailing parents.
“We are aware of the initiative undertaken by Datuk Michael, and we are grateful that he is willing to seek justice for Masyitah.
“On our part, we will try to lighten the burden on her parents. We also plan to start a crowdfunding campaign, hoping it will somewhat alleviate their financial burden,” said Raja Shahrul. – May 16, 2024