MELAKA: The belongings of the late firefighter Mohd Diya Che Jusoh, who died during an operation to rescue flood victims in Sungai Putat in October 2021, are of sentimental value to his family members.
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 di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam at the national-level International Firefighters Day 2023 celebration at the Independence Declaration Memorial Square in Bandar Hilir here yesterday.
The children were in tears as they received their father's belongings.
Diya's widow, Noraida Che Noh, 41, said she was moved that the Fire and Rescue Department still appreciated the services and sacrifices of her late husband even though he died 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."
The mother of four said she was grateful that her family's welfare was being looked after by the department and that one of their children, Nurul Annisa Ilya, has been adopted by Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director.
The housewife said her family was often invited to events organised by the department.
Nurul Ain Balqis, 18, said her father's belongings would be well kept because they reflected his courage and tenacity in carrying out tasks.
"I am happy to get the items for us four siblings to remember our late father," said the second oldest of the four siblings.
In the Oct 20, 2021 incident, Diya got into difficulties when he fell into floodwaters in Kampung Sungai Putat during a rescue operation and died while being treated at the Emergency and Trauma Department of Melaka Hospital the following day.
He was believed to have been installing a rope in the flooded area to help villagers get out of their homes when he fell into the fast-flowing, chest-high flood waters. Other firefighters took almost 10 minutes to rescue Diya. Bernama