Lyna Mohamad
A tragedy 30 years ago, left 64-year-old Harun paralysed from his upper hip down to his feet, making it impossible for him to walk again.
Harun was a livestock inspector with the Department of Agriculture in Kuala Belait when he was involved in an accident.
After months of hospitalisation, he was discharged but continued with his treatment and therapy.
In a brief interview with the Sunday Bulletin, Harun, who was trying to get to his location on his electric wheelchair said he has accepted his fate, adding that he does not want his condition to be an obstacle in life, especially when it comes to work.
Armed with a fighting spirit and support from his family, Harun received the green light to return to work.
However he can only work in office due to his condition, though he feels grateful to the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the opportunity to serve as a public servant until he retires.
Harun is living under the National Housing Scheme (RPN) in Kampong Katok ‘A’ and has been doing regular exercises, particularly since he got a BND2,500 special wheelchair to allow him to move around better.
He said since being discharged from the hospital, he began doing light exercises, such as gardening. At first, he needed help but gradually started to do most of the work on his own.
His children regularly drops him off at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, enabling him to do some workout.
Harun had been active at the Paraplegic and Physically Handicapped People of Brunei Darussalam Association (PAPDA) but since the COVID-19 pandemic, he has cut down on
He also advised individuals with disabilities to keep their spirits up and engage in physical activities as much as possible, which he believes to be good both physically and mentally.
