KUALA TERENGGANU: “I am determined to slim down to become a normal human being and am taking gym lessons and have gone on a diet,” said Mohamad Faisal Md Ali, 28, who has been making headlines here for his overwhelming weight of 221kg.
“I know it is tough, but I am bent on losing weight so that I can walk properly just like others.
“This will take some time, as I only met up with a fitness instructor nine months ago to help me get into shape,” he added.
Faisal’s morbid obesity has resulted in him being hospitalised twice in the space of several months, most recently last Wednesday, when he was admitted to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah (SNZH) Hospital in Batu Burok after complaining of breathing difficulties and high blood pressure.
He had earlier sought outpatient treatment at a public health clinic in Batu Rakit, but was referred to SNZH when his condition failed to stabilise.
An ambulance was sent for, but unfortunately, his overwhelming physique could not be accommodated by the vehicle, resulting in a five-tonne Malaysian Civil Defence Force truck being summoned.
The truck, equipped with an elevator platform, safely transported Faisal to the hospital where he was first sent to the intensive care unit, before being warded at a normal care section.
Faisal said he was at home in Kampung Tanjung Gelam, Mengabang Telipot on Wednesday when he felt uneasy and giddy, and his family and friends sent him to the nearby clinic at Kampung Batu Rakit in Kuala Nerus at 5.40pm.
“The medical officer there strongly advised me to seek further treatment immediately at SNZH after my condition did not stabilise, and my health was at high risk,” said Faisal.
Hearing about his plight, fitness instructor Mohd Fairuz Nasiruddin visited Faisal last October to offer him advice and recommend a training regimen to slim down.
Faisal said Fairuz, who operates a gymnasium, was willing to personally come and train him, and he is very thankful to Fairuz.
“The plan is for me to follow a strict diet and fitness regimen for me to lose up to 70kg over a one-year period.
“Fairuz will then re-evaluate my situation before deciding on the next course of action,” said Faisal.