10 faint from heatwave during parade

KUALA LUMPUR: The current heatwave took its toll on some of the policemen taking part in the 209th Police Day celebrations as they fainted and needed medical aid.

At least 10 rank-and-file personnel were seen passing out one after another, triggering concerns among the VIPs including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

They were stretchered indoors and all of them have recovered.

This year’s parade departed from the tradition as it was held at midday due to Najib’s tight schedule.

Bukit Aman director of management Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah said police personnel collapsing during a parade was “nothing new”.

“Actually, we had a contingency plan to move the event indoors but the situation did not reach that stage,” he said when met after the event at the Police Training Centre here yesterday.

Too hot to handle: Police personnel helping a comrade who fainted due to the heat during the guard of honour ceremony held during the 209th Police Day celebration.

Earlier, taking cue from the situation, Najib cut short his speech to just five minutes.

“Before I went up to the podium, my wife whispered ‘Kiss’ ... short for keep it short and sweet.

In KUANTAN, the state police contingent’s celebration was held indoors due to the heatwave.

State management department chief Asst Comm Yahaya Othman said for the comfort of all those in attendance, it was decided that the event be held in the Sukpa Indoors Stadium here.

During the event, state deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Fatimah Ghazali delivered the Inspector-General of Police’s address before presenting commendation letters to outstanding staff members, including Fire and Rescue Department personnel.