Late fireman’s equipment treasured by his family

MELAKA: The personal belongings of the late firefighter Mohd Diya Che Jusoh, who died in a rescue operation, are of great sentimental value to his family.

These include a helmet and life jacket, which were handed over to his children Muhammad Danish Hakim, 14, and Nurul Annisa Ilya, 11, by Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam at the International Firefighters Day 2023 celebration at the Independence Declaration Memorial Square in Bandar Hilir here yesterday.

The children received their father’s personal belongings in tears. The ceremony was also attended by his widow, Noraida Che Noh, 41.

Mohd Diya died during an operation to rescue flood victims in Kampung Sungai Putat here in October 2021.

“I feel very moved this morning because the Fire and Rescue Department still appreciates the services and sacrifices of Mohd Diya even though he left us over a year ago.

“The items were used for the last time when he was in a rescue operation before he drowned.

“They will always remind us of him, and he will be sorely missed,” she said, Bernama reported.

The mother of four said she was also grateful that her family’s welfare was still being looked after by the department and one of their children, Nurul Annisa Ilya, had been adopted by the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director.

The housewife said her family was often invited to attend various functions organised by the department as appreciation for her late husband’s services.

Nurul Ain Balqis, 18, said her father’s personal belongings would be well kept because they reflect his courage and tenacity when carrying out tasks.

“Feeling happy to be able to get the items for the four of us to remember our late father,” said the second child of Mohd Diya.

In the Oct 20, 2021 incident, Mohd Diya was believed to have been installing a rope to help the villagers get out of their flooded homes before falling into the fast-flowing floodwaters as high as an adult’s chest.

He died at the emergency and trauma department of Hospital Melaka the following day.