Boy awarded RM359,123 after botched circumcision leaves permanent scarring

In a landmark case in Kuala Lumpur, a Terengganu Sessions Court has awarded RM359,122.90 to a young boy who suffered permanent scarring and extensive skin loss from a botched circumcision at a private clinic in 2023. The New Straits Times reported that Judge Wan Nor Aklima Wan Salleh ruled in favor of the boy, awarding RM300,000 in general damages and RM59,122.90 for special and future damages after determining the Klinik Perubatan Hijraa in Kuala Nerus had acted medically negligent.

The boy's injuries required extensive medical attention, including multiple surgeries, with one involving full-thickness skin grafting.

The case began when the boy's mother initially opted for laser circumcision, but the attending doctor opted for the clamp method due to concerns about keloid development. Following the procedure in March 2023, the boy experienced swelling and bleeding, leading to his admission to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital. Three medical specialists testified that the injuries were not typical complications of a well-performed circumcision, and expert evidence suggested that the risk of keloids was irrelevant to the suitability of the laser method.

The court criticized the clinic for not calling an expert to support its claim that the boy's condition was an acceptable complication or to provide a reasonable technical explanation for the extensive skin loss.

While surgical treatment was largely successful, and the boy was able to resume normal activities, the court acknowledged that he would carry the graft scar into adulthood, with the potential for long-term effects beyond its cosmetic appearance yet to be determined. The negligence claim was initially filed as a counterclaim after Hijraa Healthcare Sdn Bhd, the clinic's operator, had sued the boy's mother and another individual over critical Facebook posts.

However, the defamation suit was dismissed, and Hijraa Healthcare Sdn Bhd has since appealed against the entire decision.