Firemen just doing their job, says Zuraida

KUALA LUMPUR: Firemen responding to the incident at the Seafield Sri Maha Mari­amman Temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya, should not have been attacked, said Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

Zuraida, on behalf of her ministry and the Fire and Rescue Department, described the incident, which left fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim in critical condition, as shocking.

“They were just doing their job and they are needed in every emergency situation, for which they receive very little recognition.

“I hope the police will conduct a detailed investigation and take action over the matter,” she told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

Ongoing investigation: Zuraida (centre) inspecting the scene of the incident outside the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Subang Jaya.

Zuraida also hoped that all parties would be ethical and civil in addressing the issue.

“There has to be a level of respect for uniformed civil servants,” she added.

She said the matter had been a long-standing dispute and should have been resolved earlier by the stakeholders.

“I hope this will be a lesson to everyone to be brave in addressing issues before it is too late,” she added.