Flying feather

TAWAU: In a month, average about 10-15 patients injured by flying-feathers are admitted to Tawau hospital here.

  Not as fragile as the name sounds, the 10-15 cm length flying-feathers is capable to puncture deep into bones and will lead to death if not treated well.
 The weapon, locally known as "pitik" is a nail with a flattened and indented sharp end. Its other end is tied with plastic rope as the "feathers".
  Youngsters here especially are keen with  the weapon's aerodynamic feature as it strikes victims without them realising it.
  A medical officer at Tawau hospital here said some of the weapon were possibly layered with rat poison based on blood investigation result.
  "The penetration has or might introduced harmful bacterias and dirts that will lead to blood infection.
   "The rust from the nail, may also contribute to tetanus or muscle spasm," he said, adding that proper prevention were done extensively for such cases.
   He also added that for the past six month, they had flying-feathers penetrated the heart and neck cases.
   Tawau Police Chief ACP Ibrahim Chin said the technique of making the weapons were originated from Philipines.
   "It has become a trend for youngsters here to carry the modified weapon even in public places.
   "I would like to advise parents to monitor their children's whereabout so that they will not indulge in vice activities,"he said on the arrest of six youngsters possesing sharp weapons here, last Sunday.