IN THEIR first comments since Member of Parliament Seng Han Thong was set on fire by a man on Sunday, his family spoke of the pain and anguish the attack has caused them.

In a statement issued to the media yesterday, Mr Seng's family said they were still trying to come to terms with the 'unfortunate incident'.

'We are struggling with reality. The sight of our loved one, who is so full of life and now lying in great pain, unable to speak, immobilised, hooked to a respirator and an array of medical equipment, is so shocking.'

Lianhe Zaobao reports that the family also thanked the team of doctors for their attentive and professional care, and for helping them deal with these anxious and difficult times.

They also thanked the grassroots leaders of Yio Chu Kang, and all his well-wishers who had shown their care and concern for the 59-year-old MP since he was attacked on Sunday.

They also extended their gratitude to President Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng and many other government officials and members of the public who have visited the MP over the past few days.

They said in the letter that their priority was to take care of Mr Seng Han Thong and ensure that he recovers quickly.

Second skin graft operation

According to Zaobao, MP Seng Han Thong's doctors verified that he has 14 per cent burns, and will be undergoing a second skin graft today.

He underwent a first skin graft on Monday for the burns on his chest, while the operation today will be targetting the burns on his face and arm.

The grafted skin is taken from the patient's inner thigh. As each leg can yield about 5 to 10 per cent of skin, they have to use skin from both his legs to complete the operation.

According to Associate Professor Colin Song, head of SGH's Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, if there is no infection, the second operation has to be performed within 5 days of the first.

After the second skin graft, he has to continue staying in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) until his condition has stabilised.

This is usually five to seven days after the operation. Patients with 14 per cent burns generally need to be hospitalised for 20 days to ensure that there are no infections or complications.

The patient will also need to return for check-ups weekly, and may take six months to a year before their condition stabilises and they can resume their daily activities.  

During recovery, the patient also needs to avoid outdoor activities as UV rays from sunlight can aggravate the wounds.

Dr Song also said that they would have to look out for the burn scars becoming so thick that they 'compromise the function of the joints'.

(Additional reporting from Lianhe Zaobao)

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