TERENGGANU UNSUNG HEROES ASSIST FIRE DEPT IN DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS

By Muhammad Faizal Nazmi Mohd Haran

KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Not all heroes wear uniforms.

At 62, former contractor Mazlan Mamat may not have formal training in rescue operations, but his willingness to sacrifice his time, energy, and resources, to assist the Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) in search and rescue missions, makes him a true hero.

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Owning two jet skis, Mazlan was actively involved in the search and rescue efforts for drowning victim at Pantai Batu Buruk here in February last year, alongside his son.

He said that his jet skis are always on standby for search and rescue missions, in addition to being used for water sports.

“Firstly, I have a deep interest in the sea. Secondly, I view this as a form of charitable work (amal jariah). And thirdly, I have the jet skis available for such purposes. That’s why I am always ready to assist,” he shared with Bernama, recently.

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In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Terengganu JBPM recently awarded Mazlan, along with eight other individuals from across the state, certificates of appreciation during the department’s 2025 Annual Parade.

Meanwhile, Abdul Talib Hitam, 54, remains steadfast in his commitment to flood relief. Each time a flood strikes, he would provide one of his two fibre boats to the Paka Fire and Rescue station in Dungun, assisting in the evacuation of flood victims from his village, Kampung Nyior, to the designated temporary evacuation centre (PPS).

“In the past, I would also assist directly, but since the floods last November, my health issues, including diabetes, nerve problems, and blurred vision, have prevented me from helping physically,” shared Abdul Talib, who is also a member of the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (RELA).

Similarly, plantation worker Mohd Azwan Mohd Ghazali, 35, generously provided his excavator to assist the JBPM in combating a peatland fire in Kampung Tok Kah, Dungun, last year.

Although initially apprehensive about facing the intense blaze, Mohd Azwan found immense satisfaction in successfully clearing a path for fire trucks to reach the fire zone with his machinery.

“I cleared about two kilometres of trail to allow fire engines access, and for nearly a month, I also dug a ditch in the plantation to ensure a steady water supply for the firefighting team.

“I helped because of my village - if the fire had been left unchecked, it could have spread to villagers' homes,” he said.

--BERNAMA