Fire Department fly flags at half-mast to honour Adib

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) will fly flags at half-mast at all premises as a mark of respect over the death of fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim.

JBPM director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid (pic) said the symbolic gesture would be carried out for three days beginning Tuesday (Dec 18).

"Berat mata memandang, berat lagi bahu yang memandang (Malay proverb which literally means heavy to the eyes, but heavier still for those shouldering it).

"To the family of Muhammad Adib, deepest condolences from all of us at JBPM," he said in a statement here.

Mohammad Hamdan said Muhammad Adib's name would be forever etched among the "Wira Merah" (Red Heroes) at the JBPM Academy in Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor, as well as the annals of the department.

He also expressed hope that stern action would be taken against those responsible for Muhammad Adib's death.

"The department also wishes to thank Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali for paying their last respects at the Subang Air Base earlier today.

"We also express our highest gratitude to all parties, especially the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Nazrin Shah, Sultan of Kedah Al Aminur Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, and all those involved from the time Muhammad Adib began receiving treatment until his burial was completed," he added.

On Nov 27, Muhammad Adib, 24, a member of the Subang Jaya fire station's Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) unit was seriously injured by rioters at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, in USJ 25, Subang Jaya.

At the time, he was carrying out his duties in a firefighting operation in front of the premises.

He died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 9.41pm on Monday (Dec 17).

Selangor Deputy Police Chief Datuk Ab Rashid Ab Wahab said the case had been reclassified as murder. – Bernama