Fireman Adib receives posthumous promotion

ALOR SETAR (Bernama): The government has decided to give a posthumous promotion to firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, 24, who died on Monday (Dec 19) night, from grade KB19 to grade KB22 with immediate effect.

Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek said the promotion was to help alleviate the burden of his family in terms of pension.

“We are saddened and overwhelmed by his passing as he had sacrificed, showed bravery by setting aside personal safety and suffered injuries while conducting official duties.

“The government will also speed up the payment of compensation of more than RM200,000 which will be managed by the fire department,” he told reporters after the funeral rites of Muhammad Adib at the Masjid As-Saadah Muslim Cemetery in Kampung Tebengau, Kuala Kedah, near here on Tuesday (Dec 18).

Mohammad said the government appreciated his contributions as a firefighter for almost four years.

“We are grateful to all the relevant parties including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL), the National Heart Institute (IJN) and the medical specialist who worked hard for the past three weeks trying to save him,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) deputy director-general (operation) Datuk Amer Yusof said he would review the JBPM standard operating procedures (SOP) during a riot situation.

He said it would include identifying risks posed to firefighters as happened to Muhammad Adib.

According to Amer, JBPM currently had an SOP that applied to its members while performing duties in riot areas in accordance with the National Security Council (MKN) instructions.

He also expressed his gratitude and thanks to all quarters in providing assistance throughout Muhammad Adib's period of treatment including the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) and IJN.

"I want to express my condolences to Adib's family, and I hope his family is given the strength in accepting this challenge. Adib is a hero of the nation,” Amer said, adding that he hoped whoever caused Muhammad Adib would face stern action.

 Muhammad Adib, who served as a member of the Emergency Medical Response Service (EMRS) team, at the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue (BBP) died at the IJN at 9.41pm. – Bernama