MELAKA: The personal belongings of the late firefighter Mohd Diya Che Jusoh who died during an operation to rescue flood victims in Sungai Putat in October 2021 are of sentimental value to his family members.
These include a helmet and life jacket, which were handed over to his children Muhammad Danish Hakim, 14, and Nurul Annisa Ilya, 11, by Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam at the national-level International Firefighters Day 2023 celebration at the Independence Declaration Memorial Square in Bandar Hilir here Sunday (May 14).
Both children of the deceased received their father's personal belongings in tears and the ceremony was also attended by his widow, Noraida Che Noh, 41.
"I feel very moved this morning because the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) still appreciate the services and sacrifices of the Mohd Diya even though he left us over a year ago.
"The items were used for the last time when the he was in a rescue operation before he drowned. They will always remind us of him and he will be sorely missed," she told reporters when met at the event.
The mother of four said she was also grateful that her family's welfare was still being looked after by JBPM and one of their children, Nurul Annisa Ilya, was adopted by Melaka JBPM director.
The housewife said her family was often invited to attend various functions organised by JBPM as an appreciation for her late husband's services.
Meanwhile, another daughter of Mohd Diya, Nurul Ain Balqis, 18, said her father's personal belongings will be well kept because they reflect his courage and tenacity when carrying out tasks.
"Feeling happy to be able to get the items for us four siblings to remember our late father," said the second oldest of the four siblings.
In the Oct 20, 2021 incident, Mohd Diya got into difficulties after falling into flood waters in Kampung Sungai Putat during a rescue operation for flood victims and died while being treated at the Emergency and Trauma Department, Melaka Hospital the following day.
In the incident, the victim was believed to be installing a rope in the flooded area to help the villagers get out of their homes before suddenly falling into the fast-flowing flood waters as high as an adult's chest.
The incident was noticed by other firefighters who were also there and it took almost 10 minutes to bring him to a safe place. - Bernama
