A 7-year-old boy from Lombok, known to have disabilities, was responsible for helping foreign tourists evacuate from the area during last week’s earthquake. Much of the island was struck by the event. Global Peace Mission (GPM) Malaysia plans to award him with a heroic symbol.

Taufik, a boy who is deaf and mute, hails from Senaru, North Lombok. He managed to assist Malaysian tourists in escaping from the Tiu Kelep Waterfall when a 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit the island, followed by landslides.

“Insya Allah [God willing] we will name him […] a symbol of heroism and bravery for saving their lives when they needed help the most,” said GPM Malaysia Chief Operations Officer, Syahrir Azfar bin Saleh.

The earthquake, which triggered landslides around the area, has killed at least two Malaysians and injured more than 30 people, most of whom were foreign and domestic tourists.

One of the Malaysians assisted by Taufik, Wong Siew Lim, recalled the fateful day when the earthquake shook the island – while she was sightseeing with other tourists. “While he was being carried, Taufik assisted us by showing the way out from the location,” she said.

Syahrir added that the boy’s heroic tale will be conveyed to the royal family of Malaysia. The GPM is making efforts to gain support from the Malaysian kingdom to honour the boy with the title of ‘hero’. The GPM is also determined to provide Taufik with medical assistance, in order for him to live as normal a life as possible.

See:

Two Malaysians Killed, 40 Injured in Lombok Landslide Triggered by Earthquake

Source: The Jakarta Post
Image: Suara NTB