Surviving girls sustain acute malnutrition

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Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (fourth left) speaks to Midah (right) during his visit to see Norieen at the hospital. — Bernama photo

Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed (fourth left) speaks to Midah (right) during his visit to see Norieen at the hospital. — Bernama photo

KOTA BAHARU: The two Orang Asli girls, who were found safe after being missing with five others in the jungle of Pos Tohoi since August, are now in stable condition but still weak due to acute malnutrition.

According to the paediatric specialist of Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital (HRPZII) Nik Nasaruddin Nik Leh, the girls, Norieen Yaakob, 10, and Miksudiar Alui, 11, must undergo nutritional stabilisation and rehabilitation process in stages.

Psychologically, he said they were still in trauma and having problem to communicate with people.

“Right now, what matters most is to restore their health. This is being done in stages to avoid complications and at this initial stage, they are being put in a strict soft diet.

“At the same time, we will refer to the pharmacist on the medicines and vitamins suitable for them,” he told reporters when met at the hospital yesterday.

Meanwhile, Norieen’s mother, Midah Angah, 40, said she was grateful that her daughter was found safe after being missing for 48 days in the thick jungle.

“I’m really grateful that she is now safe, but she is still weak. It hurts me to see her quite different than before, but I’m thankful to all members of the search and rescue team and also all parties involved in the search operation,” she said.

Midah said according to Norieen, she saw her brother, the eight-year-old Haikal being swept away by strong current while trying to drink the river water.

“She (Norieen) said she could only watch and was unable to save her brother. She also said that she saw her friends died and their bodies decomposed,” Midah said.

Miksudiar’s uncle, Akid Baher, 46, on the other hand, said his niece was badly traumatised by the whole incident and was still unable to speak.

“It’s sad to see her like that, so different, so skinny and frail. However, I’m thankful to all the parties involved for not giving up in the search for her and her friends,” he said. — Bernama