THE 24-year-old fireman who was attacked by a mob at the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple early today has broken ribs and is unable to breathe on his own.

Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, who is unconscious and on life support, had been due to get married next month, said Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

“I suspect he was involved in a stampede. His ribs are broken, and this has affected his lungs. He’s got trouble breathing,” she told reporters at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, where Adib is warded.

The fireman had been dragged out of his vehicle, and his colleagues did not realise that he was missing until they returned to the station, said Fire and Rescue Department director-general Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, who visited Adib in hospital.

The emergency management response system (EMRS) staff member from the Subang Jaya fire station was attacked about 1am, in the second violent episode after the temple was stormed by some 50 masked men early yesterday.

Authorities said yesterday’s clash had nothing to do with race, but involves a dispute between the temple committee and private developer One City Development Sdn Bhd over the land on which the house of worship sits.

Zuraida said Adib is being observed by five specialist doctors.

Hamdan said two vehicles carrying fire department personnel were attacked when they arrived at the scene today.

A fire engine and an EMRS van were deployed to the temple in response to an emergency call. Adib was in the van’s passenger seat.

“A group of people attacked the vehicles with all sorts of weapons. When the situation worsened, the officers on duty decided to retreat. In the commotion, Adib was dragged out of the van.”

Upon realising that Adib was not with them when they returned to the station, “(his colleagues) called his mobile phone, and a stranger answered and told them that Adib was being rushed to hospital”.

He said although the other firefighters are scarred by the incident, they are determined to carry out their duties well.

“They are traumatised by what happened. They put their lives on the line when it comes to rescue missions… We want the people who were involved in this to control their emotions and follow the law.”

This morning, three vehicles were torched and the MCT Tower, where the One City Development office is located, was vandalised by a group that had marched from the temple.

Zuraida said she is saddened by what happened to Adib.

“A member of the civil service, who was in his uniform, was attacked. I don’t understand why they had to behave like this, as if they are not civilised.

“It is sad to see him like this. His marriage was supposed to take place next month.” – November 27, 2018.