Kota bharu: The Kelantan branch of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) utilized a five-tonne truck equipped with a hydraulic lift system to transfer two obese female patients to referral hospitals in a special operation early today. The operation was necessary due to the patients' weight and medical conditions, which required specialized handling.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kelantan APM deputy director Lt Col Mohd Farid Ishak detailed the circumstances surrounding the transfer. The first patient, a 33-year-old woman weighing more than 180kg, was transferred from Tengku Anis Hospital in Pasir Puteh to Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital for specialist treatment.

The second patient, a 28-year-old woman weighing about 160kg, was suffering lung complications due to a bacterial infection and was intubated. She was transferred from Machang Hospital to Sultan Ismail Petra Hospital in Kuala Krai for further treatment.

Lt Col Mohd Farid noted that medical officers and hospital personnel accompanied the patients during the transfer, ensuring their conditions were monitored and treatment was provided throughout the journey. The operation involved two officers and seven other ranks from the Kota Bharu District APM and concluded successfully at about 5 am with the cooperation of the Health Ministry.