ALOR SETAR: Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim will be given a posthumous promotion from grade KB19 to KB22, effective immediately.
Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek said the promotion is meant to help reduce the burden on the late fireman’s family in terms of pension.
“We grieve over his passing. He displayed tremendous courage and sacrifice in the line of duty, forgoing his own safety and sustaining injuries while performing his duty.
“The government will also expedite the compensation payout from Adib’s contributions which amount to RM200,000; this will be managed by the Fire and Rescue Department,” he told reporters after Adib was laid to rest at the Masjid As-Saadah Muslim cemetery in Kampung Tebengau, Kuala Kedah on Tuesday.
Mohammad said the government as indebted to Adib, 24, who served as member of the Fire and Rescue Department for almost four years. He also expressed his thanks to the police, Kuala Lumpur Hospital, the National Heart Institute (IJN) and doctors who did their best for Adib over the last three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department flag will be flown at half mast at all fire stations nationwide out of respect for Adib.
Department director-general, Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid, said this will be carried out over three days until Thursday.
“To Adib’s family, our sincerest and deepest condolences. May his family be given the strength to overcome this test.
“Let us pray that he will be placed among the righteous,” he said in a statement.
He said Adib’s name will join the list of Wira Merah heroes in Fire and Rescue Academy in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, and will forever be etched in history.
Adib, who was attached to the Subang Jaya Fire and Rescue station, died at the IJN at 9.41pm on Monday night. He died of injuries sustained after being attacked by rioters during an incident at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Subang Jaya last month. -Bernama