KUALA LUMPUR: From riding motorcycles to operating heavy machinery, each licence is more than just a personal achievement for emergency medicine specialist Dr Leong Keen Wai (pic), who holds 10 different vehicle licences.
For him, it represents the unwavering preparedness to handle life-or-death situations.
“As an emergency doctor, I am often in situations where every second counts. If there’s anything I can do to speed up assistance, I won’t hesitate.
“In the event of a disaster or emergency, I don’t want to rely on others to drive an ambulance, truck or specialised vehicle. By having multiple licences, I can act immediately,” said the Universiti Malaya emergency medicine graduate.
Dr Leong believes that while his skills may seem ordinary, in critical moments, they can make a difference.
Among licences he holds are Class B – motorcycles over 500cc; Class H – tractors or heavy mobile machinery (wheeled) with BTM over 5,000kg; Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Class D – mini buses or vans (light motor vehicles); PSV Class E – heavy buses with an unladen weight exceeding 7,500kg and GDL Class E (articulated) – heavy trucks with an unladen weight exceeding 7,500kg (trailers).
“I primarily use these skills in ambulance and truck simulations to prepare for real-life scenarios. While disaster management is my area of expertise, I sincerely hope such disasters never occur.
“But if they do, I am always ready,” the 37-year-old, who hails from Kuala Lumpur, told Bernama.
Earning all these licences took him 20 years and cost over RM10,000.
With his qualifications, Dr Leong, who serves in Hospital Putrajaya said he is ready to be deployed to conflict zones or disaster-stricken areas whenever needed.
“My original dream was to become a combat doctor or military doctor, but I never had the opportunity.
“In a conflict or disaster zone, operating heavy vehicles or specialised transport is crucial for moving supplies or patients. With these skills, I can contribute more effectively,” he said.
The eldest of three siblings said that helicopter and tower crane licences are next on his list.
“I’ve always been interested in getting a helicopter licence. In 2022, I trained to become an aeromedical doctor for air ambulances in Kota Kinabalu. During that one-month training, we transported patients from remote areas. I was truly impressed by the dedication of the hospital staff and pilots.
“I am also keen to obtain a tower crane licence. It’s a challenging skill because it involves working at great heights and applying a lot of physics theory,” said the adventure-loving doctor.
Dr Leong advised young people who aspire to follow in his footsteps to stay determined and never give up.
“As long as what you want to do doesn’t harm yourself or those around you, go after it.”
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