Goh’s partner, Yee Zi Lin, 28, had been involved in a horrific accident on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak highway earlier that evening, while driving back to their home in Wangsa Maju from her hometown in Kemaman, Terengganu.
When he rushed to the Kuantan Hospital, Goh was informed that Yee had suffered severe concussions and a puncture fracture on her skull. The neurosurgeon would later confirm that she had fallen into a chronic vegetative state.
Goh, 32, described the series of events – from seeing her in hospital to dealing with police, emergency responders and family members – as an “emotional experience”.
“ It was a very intense mix of fear, anger, frustration, and sadness.
“Yee was bleeding a lot, and went through 13 pints of blood. She definitely won’t be the same ever again,” Goh told FMT.
To this day, Yee, who worked as a digital illustrator, remains in a vegetative state. Unable to speak, she is confined to a hospital bed and dependent on round-the-clock care.
Goh, who works as a chef at Da Bao Restobar on Petaling Street, has stayed by her side faithfully, holding on to the hope that Yee will recover to once again light up their home.
“Her friends knew her as a very positive, loud and happy kind of person, and all that had been stolen from her because of the accident.
“The house is awfully quiet without her around,” he said.
The investigation papers on the case have been handed over to the deputy public prosecutor, according to Temerloh district police chief Mazlan Hassan.
“I’m happy to hear that the case is finally making progress. The lawyer says court proceedings will take time, but I’m okay with that as long as they are being held accountable,” said Goh.
He also plans to pursue legal action against the lorry driver and their employer.
A fundraiser, launched last December featuring the sale of tote bags designed by Yee, has raised more than RM40,000.
However, Goh said Yee’s parents and three younger brothers plan to transfer her from Tung Shin Hospital in Kuala Lumpur back to their current home in Kampar, Perak.
He said they would need additional financial support to care for her over the longer term.
“It has been a lot harder on her mother because she was her only daughter. They were very close. Yee would take her on an overseas trip every year,” said Goh.
Goh is appealing to the public for support to purchase Yee’s medical supplies, including catheters, suction tubes, diapers, medicine and specialised equipment.
Those who are interested can purchase a tote bag at:
Honey in the Rock
40, Jalan SS 20/10,
Damansara Kim,
47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Alternatively, you may contribute to Maybank account 5141 7868 9361 (Persatuan Kesaksamaan Demi Kedamaian Rakyat Sejagat) with the reference “Donation to Yee Zi Lin”.