ON Oct 1, parts of Sabah including Tuaran district were hit with floods due to continuous downpours.
However, it was not news of the floods that went viral and caught the attention of many Malaysians, but of a daring rescue involving nine people, including teenagers, who put their safety aside to help two stranded women.
In the incident, two tourists from Johor who were driving back to Kota Kinabalu from Kundasang had run into floods when they used a navigation app.
They did not expect the river currents which had flooded a bridge to be that strong and were stuck in the fast-flowing waters.
Several individuals who saw the incident screamed for them to stop driving, while a few of them jumped into the water to get to the duo in the heavy rain.
They were Danny Effnndy Voo, Abdul Rafi Abdullah, Mackdoleno Solimin, Dr Ebon Gansoi, Jafrin Bakrin, Ramlan Suhaji, Martin Gumpangang, Hettni Tono Prianto and part-time media practitioner Cornelius Gukod.
Their actions earned them certificates of courage and appreciation from the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department which were presented during a recent ceremony here.
When asked about the rescue after getting their certificates, they said their main intention was to help the two stranded women and to make sure that they did not drive further into the flood.
“I did not really think much but just jumped into the floodwaters with the others because I felt that I can swim quite well,” said Voo, while Rafi said the adrenaline rush made him forget any fear at that time.
Mackdoleno said he was just glad that no one was hurt in the incident, and everyone returned home safe.
The recipients recalled the strong and cold water, as well as darkness as it was night with not much light to help them see clearly.
“If I think back now, and looking at the photos circulating, I think it was quite risky and dangerous for us to have just jumped in like that,” said one of them who chose not to be named.
Prior to that, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said these young men helped save two lives with their bravery.
He said the youngsters are a true example of what Sabahans are and supposed to be – brave, helpful and capable.
“Thank you for being the heroes when someone is in dire need of help. Tamparuli is proud of you all,” he said.
During the presentation ceremony, a petrol station worker in Penampang was also awarded a special appreciation certificate for her swift action in putting out a fire at one of the petrol pumps on March 16.
Noor Emelya Abdul Latif managed to remain calm and put out the flames quickly, thus averting a major disaster.
At the same time, the Pantai Dalit volunteer firemen unit was given acknowledgement for their involvement in emergency operations. The team received full personal protective equipment to help them carry out their voluntarism duties more efficiently.
