Injured Kelantan corporal vows to continue anti-drug fight after attacker jailed

RANTAU PANJANG: A Kelantan policeman who was seriously injured in a parang attack during an anti-drug operation last week has vowed to continue fighting drug abuse following the seven-year jail sentence imposed on his attacker.

The corporal requested anonymity over concerns for his safety and that of his family.

He said he was grateful for and satisfied with the court's decision after the labourer was sentenced to seven years in prison and two strokes of the rotan by the Pasir Mas Sessions Court today.

"I am very grateful to learn that the suspect has been sentenced. I am satisfied with the court's decision over what happened to me.

"My spirit in fighting drugs has never wavered," said the father of two when met at his home.

Earlier, the 37-year-old corporal received a visit from Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat and other officers.

Yusoff said the suspect was a drug user and not a member of a drug smuggling syndicate.

"The suspect consumed yaba pills and ketum juice and has six previous records involving drug-related offences," he said.

The corporal sustained serious injuries, including a fracture to his left arm, after he was attacked with a parang while pursuing a suspected drug offender during an operation at Kampung Lalang Pepuyu, Tanah Merah, on Oct 17.

The incident occurred at 1.35pm when a team from the Kelantan police contingent's Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, assisted by personnel from the Bukit Bunga and Lalang Pepuyu police stations, raided a house in the village.

The suspect, Muhammad Syahid Che Mat, 30, allegedly attempted to flee while carrying a parang.

He then swung the weapon at officers attempting to apprehend him, leaving the corporal seriously injured.

Syahid pleaded guilty to causing grievous hurt to the policeman using a dangerous weapon.

The court ordered the prison sentence to take effect from the date of his arrest on Oct 17.