IPOH: A fireman here has gone the extra mile to learn sign language to communicate and interact with persons with disabilities who are hearing and speech impaired.
Abidul Hazman Adam, 32, who is with the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) and the Underwater Rescue Team (PPDA) at the Ipoh Fire and Rescue Services Department station, said he started learning sign language about seven months ago.
He did it by going through the Malaysian sign language book.
"I don't know anyone who is hearing and speech impaired. However, I have always had the urge to learn sign language.
"I initially learnt it by watching video tutorials on YouTube, but then I started referring to the sign language book that I borrowed from one of the teachers from a special needs school.
"My determination to learn sign language hit it's peak when I started working part-time as an e-hailing driver and I came across passengers who are hearing and speech impaired," he said.
Apart from referring to the Malaysian sign language book, Abidul Hazman also enlisted the help of a few acquaintances proficient in sign language.
Abidul Hazman said it took him three months to learn the language.
Apart from being able to communicate and interact with those who are hearing and speech impaired, Abidul Hazman admitted that his sign language skills are coming in handy in his job as a fireman.
"Recently there was a house that caught fire and after we were able to put out the flames it was then that I noticed that the victims were hearing impaired.
"Last time we had to write on paper on on the smartphone to communicate but now I can communicate in sign language so it makes things a whole lot easier and better."