Sungai Kim Kim waste pollution victim aspires to become a neurosurgeon
PASIR GUDANG: A survivor of the Sungai Kim Kim toxic waste pollution incident and former Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Johor Bahru student, Irfan Wafiy Idham Wazir, 18, achieved outstanding results in the recent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, scoring 9As.
His achievement is all the more remarkable given the ongoing health issues he has faced over the past six years, which have significantly affected his mobility.
Irfan Wafiy has myokymia, an incurable disease that causes certain parts of the body to tremble and be in a weak state. It may require a sufferer to rely on a cane, among other things.
Prolonged activity causes him pain in both legs, and he tires easily.
Nevertheless, he has shown that his condition is no obstacle to pursuing his dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.
This determined teenager not only excelled in all subjects but also earned A+ grades in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Islamic Education and Mathematics.
"Alhamdulillah, I've had a passion for medicine since I was young. After experiencing the health effects of the river contamination first-hand, my interest in medical science deepened even further," he said.
He has applied for the 2025/2026 academic session via UPUOnline, aiming to pursue medicine at Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi MARA or the International Islamic University Malaysia.
"I also hope to continue my studies in Australia and have applied for scholarships from Khazanah Nasional, the Public Service Department and Mara's Young Talent Development Programme.
"I initially wanted to study in the UK, but the costs are too high," he said when met recently.
Irfan previously relied on a walking stick and said the pain still lingers, even six years after the toxic waste exposure.
Nevertheless, his determination to succeed has enabled him to progress from using a wheelchair and walking aids to now walking unaided — though not without limitations.
"I still feel pain, especially in my left leg — sometimes even touching it is unbearable.
I'm older now, and I can't rely on walking aids forever. When the pain subsides, I can walk without the stick for short periods. But when it returns, I have to rest."
Reflecting on his five years at MRSM, Irfan said the early years were the most difficult as he juggled chronic pain with a demanding academic schedule.
"I couldn't take part in outdoor or sports activities at all. This success was only possible thanks to the support of my family, teachers, and friends.
"In my first year at MRSM, my results weren't great because I was still on medication that made me drowsy and affected my concentration. Once I stopped the medication, I was able to focus."
His mother, Norlela Abu Hashim, 52, expressed pride and emotion over her son's achievements.
"Alhamdulillah, Irfan now uses the walking stick less often. He helps me with house chores, but afterwards, he needs to rest due to the pain.
"I can see his spirit is stronger and he's more independent.
"When he told me he wanted to study abroad, I could only support and pray for his success.
"As a mother, I won't stop him from chasing his dreams, even though I still worry about his health."
Norlela also said that the court case involving her husband, Idham Wazir A. Wahab, 55, and other victims of the Sungai Kim Kim river pollution will resume this August.
"It's a long process, but I still hope for justice and proper compensation for Irfan."
He is among 41 plaintiffs who were victims of the Sungai Kim Kim toxic waste pollution who are seeking RM30 million in damages from 12 defendants, including the Johor state government and the Menteri Besar.
The plaintiffs filed the suit in July 2019 against the 12 defendants, including the Johor government, the state Environment Department, the state Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Syarikat P Tech Resources Sdn Bhd, and an employee, along with two of its directors.
In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants failed to ensure the safety and protection of Pasir Gudang residents from toxic waste pollution and did not promptly mobilise the State Disaster Management Committee to address the pollution in Sungai Kim Kim.
The claims cover general and special damages, with specific attention to Irfan Wafiy, the worst-affected victim.
The chemical waste pollution incident, first reported on March 13, 2019, affected the health of over 2,000 people and led to the closure of 111 schools in Pasir Gudang.
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