Strength to carry us: ‘Abang Bomba’, ‘Kak Bomba’ and ‘Abang JPJ’ posing during the parade. — YAP CHEE HONG and FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: While the ever-popular “Abang Bomba” continued to steal the spotlight and win hearts, the firemen faced other “contenders” and even their female colleagues at this year’s National Day parade.Joining in the fight for attention were “Abang JPJ” and “Abang Askar”, from the Road Transport Department and the military respectively.
These popular “hunks”, noted for their buff physique and megawatt smiles, drew shrieks and calls from the enthusiastic crowd, with some cheekily shouting: “Belanja bicep bang” (show us your biceps) and “Tembak saya Abang Askar” (shoot me soldier).
Before the march-past started, there were already queues to snap pictures with Abang Bomba.
Interestingly, “Kakak Bomba” made their maiden appearance at the parade this year.
Their charming demeanour elicited more cheers from the crowd.
One of those Bomba strongmen was 25-year-old Aliff Daniel, who took part for the first time.
“I wanted a moment to share with my friends and join my fellow colleagues. This is my second year in service as a firefighter, and I have had memorable experiences,” he said.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s Leftenan Komander Nur Hadafi Zafran Norzali said the massive turnout at the Aug 31 celebration further boosted his team’s spirit during the event.
The agency, he added, took about three days to practise for the parade, which included the full rehearsal on Thursday.
“We felt truly uplifted after seeing thousands of Malaysians showing up at the celebration here,” he said.
Their segment featured three boats from the sea, transported from the Selangor jetty to Putrajaya.
Mastura Mohd Yatin, one of the few female uniformed officers from the Kuantan Immigration Department in attendance, said she felt honoured to be part of the significant programme.
“Even though I don’t know some of the participants here, we stand together for our country,” she said proudly.
Making her debut in the parade, Mastura said she felt warmed and inspired by the atmosphere and the people’s reception.
