Man pays RM30,000 but loses kidneys

By Ng CHENG YEE
chengyee@thestar.com.my

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/7/nation/10870300&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: A factory operator lost both his kidneys after seeking treatment from a so-called sinseh, who used at least 60 needles to poke his head and abdomen “to flush toxins out of his body”.

Besides getting an infection after just two sessions, Wong Kim Min, 47, said his abdomen was also bloated for some time.

Wong, who has been suffering from kidney problems for the past 10 years, said he consulted the sinseh, known as Dr Lau, on July 5 last year.

The sinseh, in his late 20s, was introduced to him by a friend.

Botched treatment: Wong (right) showing photographs of his condition after the sinseh treatment at a press conference organised by Chong at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“He claimed that he could treat me as my problem was just a minor medical condition,” Wong said, adding that he was asked to pay RM30,000. As part of the treatment, the sinseh used needles to poke Wong's head and abdomen without giving any anaesthetic.

“After the first session, I suffered severe pain and started developing high fever. My abdomen was also swollen,” he said.

“I called Dr Lau but he advised me not to seek treatment at any hospital as I would be given antibiotics which would worsen my condition,” he told a press conference organised by MCA Public Services and Complaints Depart-ment head Datuk Seri Michael Chong here yesterday.

Wong said three days later, he went back for a second treatment session whereby syringes were used on him again.

“My situation worsened after that. I could no longer urinate, so I decided to seek treatment four days later at Ampang Hospital where I was told that blood clots had blocked my urinary tract.”

Wong said he was transferred to Kuala Lumpur Hospital the next day but his condition was so bad that the doctors had to remove both kidneys to save his life.

He was discharged 38 days later. Wong said he now has to undergo dialysis every two days.

“I cannot urinate because I do not have a kidney and I am only allowed to drink 300ml of water a day,” he said, adding that he also suffers from sleeplessness and dizziness.

Wong's lawyer Tan Kim Soon said a police report had been lodged against the practitioner on Jan 31.

“He was then arrested and remanded. However, in a letter dated Feb 10, my client was told by the police that no further action could be taken against the sinseh due to lack of evidence,” he said.

He said he would write a letter on behalf of Wong to ask the police to review the case.