{
  "id": 6348371,
  "title": "Shahrul Nizam finds purpose behind the wheel after paralysis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/shahrul-nizam-finds-purpose-behind-the-wheel-after-paralysis",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T23:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/09/shahrul-nizam-finds-purpose-behind-the-wheel-after-paralysis"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2016, a workplace accident left Shahrul Nizam Kamil paralyzed from the waist down after an iron structure weighing over 100kg fell on him. Despite this life-changing event, he has found purpose and continues serving others, now volunteering as a hearse van driver. Six years after his accident, Shahrul started providing free transportation for bodies in 2022, using his hands to operate a specially adapted vehicle. Accompanied by his wife Nor Lishah Anita Abdul Hamid, he handles tasks that are challenging for him and takes care of his own physical needs. Shahrul has driven to various states in Malaysia, including Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Pahang, sometimes spending up to 24 hours on the road. He has transported bodies from hospitals, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. While there have been challenges, such as breakdowns on the East-West Highway and East Coast Expressway 2, Shahrul remains committed to his work. He believes his experiences handling the deceased, including Covid-19 victims, have helped him appreciate life more deeply. Shahrul emphasizes that his disability does not diminish his ability to help others, and he will continue driving as long as there are people in need of this service.",
  "summary": "Following a workplace accident, the 36-year-old now volunteers as a hearse van driver serving communities in Terengganu and beyond.",
  "key_points": [
    "Shahrul Nizam paralyzed after 2016 workplace accident",
    "Operates specially adapted hearse van for free body transport",
    "Serves across Malaysia, including during Covid-19 pandemic"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Shahrul Nizam finds purpose behind the wheel after paralysis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/shahrul-nizam-finds-purpose-behind-the-wheel-after-paralysis-6350466",
        "published": "2026-09-08T23:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}