Nor Lelawati Abu Bakar, a 39-year-old paddy seed planter, vividly described the harrowing experience of being struck by lightning along with her 8-year-old son, Muhamad Azizul Jaafar, in Kampung Permatang Kerisek, Simpang Empat, yesterday. Recounting the incident that occurred swiftly around 7 p.m. during a light drizzle, she and Muhamad Azizul were heading home after picking up their 15-year-old son, a Person with Disabilities (OKU), from a neighbour's house approximately 50 meters away.

"While traversing the path between tamarind and gonchar trees, I suddenly felt propelled forward, as if struck by a heavy force from behind. My body felt intensely hot, and before losing consciousness, I witnessed Muhamad Azizul falling unconscious nearby, while another child attempted to move and called out to me," shared Nor Lelawati at her home in Kampung Permatang Kerisek, Simpang Empat.

After the incident, her eldest son promptly sought help from her husband, Jaafar Saidin, 65, and several other seedling site workers nearby. "I remained unconscious until I found myself in my husband's car en route to Tuanku Fauziah Hospital (HTF), Kangar. I learned that Muhamad Azizul, transported in another car, was also unconscious, with almost his entire body suffering burns. Fortunately, he regained consciousness on the way to the hospital," she added.

Nor Lelawati was confirmed to have only suffered from trauma without serious injuries, while her son sustained burns on 25 percent of his body, particularly around the neck, abdomen, and left leg. Due to the severity of his injuries, Muhamad Azizul had to be sedated again before being transferred to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, for further examination by a dermatologist early this morning. Currently, Muhamad Azizul is in stable condition, while Nor Lelawati still experiences chest pain, especially during breathing.

Witnesses to the incident, who are also the victim's brothers, Amirizal Jaafar, 32, and his friend, Che Muhammad Che Natt, 34, mentioned that they were repairing the roof at a burning husk factory not far from Nor Lelawati's home during the incident. "We observed a white light striking the area where the victims passed, followed by a bang resembling the explosion of a fireworks show. Subsequently, we found both victims lying scattered among the tamarind and gonchar trees in that path," said Amirizal. Immediately, Amirizal and Che Muhammad rushed to aid the victims, detecting a burnt odour on Muhamad Azizul's body before taking them to the hospital.