Not letting their guard down

On their toes: Afiszul (left) and ACP Arba’ Ahtul following SOP mindfully.

JOHOR BARU: Fireman Mohammad Afiszul Osaman is still wearing full personal protective equipment when attending to emergency cases to avoid being in contact with Covid-19 patients.

“We do not know if the people we are rescuing are positive for the disease as there are those who are asymptomatic.

“So far, none of us from the Iskandar Puteri fire station have contracted the disease during these operations due to the strict SOP we are adhering to.

“Although most people have been fully vaccinated with cases going down, we still cannot take any chances,” said the 26-year-old.

Afiszul said just a few months ago, the workload was heavy with them having to attend to day-to-day rescue operations, in addition to carrying out public sanitisation works.

“Lately, our work has reduced significantly as most people are able to do it themselves.

“But I hope the public would not take things lightly as we still have a long way to go. It is important that everyone continues to follow the SOP,” he said.

He also urged the public not to abuse the relaxation and to remain vigilant when travelling interstate and inter-district.

Police officer Asst Supt Arba’ Ahtul Arnida Adam, 38, also shared the same sentiment.

“Although the roadblocks, except for those related to Ops Benteng, have been removed, we still have to keep a close watch on the ground.

“Since most people have been fully vaccinated, it could reduce transmission and the severity of the disease,” she said.

ASP Arba’ Ahtul said her darkest moment was when her long-distance husband tested positive in September and was hospitalised.

“I was very worried about his condition then as he was in Kuala Lumpur while I am based in Johor.

“We could only chat online, including through video calls,” she said.

She added that she would be visiting him soon with their two children who are staying with her.

“We have not met for over a year and we miss him dearly.

“He had fully recovered now but is still having some side effects,” she said.