Kampung Batang Melaka: A man narrowly escaped death after being thrown to the ground when lightning struck a tree near his mother-in-law’s house in Kampung Batang Melaka yesterday. Muhammad Hafizuddin Mihat, 34, sustained minor injuries in the incident, which happened during heavy rain at about 5.30 pm.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, as Hafizuddin was approaching his car with an umbrella, lightning suddenly struck a nearby dead durian tree, and he was thrown to the ground as if hit by an explosion. “I was dazed and saw the durian tree split apart from the strike. I quickly ran to the veranda and was grateful to have suffered only minor injuries,” he told reporters.

Hafizuddin, who is receiving treatment at Jasin Hospital, said he feared being struck as he was fleeing to safety. He collapsed onto the veranda from dizziness, with his legs feeling like they were being pricked by fine needles. His family, including his wife Noor Liza Ramly, 33, and their children, rushed to his aid, fearing the worst.

At the moment of the incident, Hafizuddin thought he was going to die and recited the syahada (declaration of faith) in his heart as the pain began to subside. The father of four, with children aged between six months and eight years, was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Throughout the journey, he continuously gave thanks to Allah SWT for giving him a second chance to be with his family.

“The doctor said I didn’t suffer any serious injuries, except for both big toes, which felt like they had suffered electric shocks,” Hafizuddin added.