KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department once again received some of the loudest cheers from the public as its personnel paraded along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens here.
Sabah operations management branch head Kenneth Wilfred said this year, they brought along eight muscular firefighters who performed on top of their vehicles and showcased their special rescue equipment, known as spreaders and cutters.
"Our muscular firefighters are actually athletes who recently participated in a fire department sports competition, where the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department team won the overall championship in an event known as 'Mr. Wonderful,' a bodybuilding competition.
"Our best achievement this year includes winning the championship to represent Malaysia in the World Firefighters' Sports Championship," he told the New Straits Times, adding that about 180 people took part in the celebration.
Kenneth also mentioned that this year, the department included both venomous and non-venomous reptiles, including two species of snakes.
"The first is the King Cobra, the longest venomous snake in the world. There are three snakes that are handled and tamed by our 'Red Heroes' — the firefighters.
"The second type of snake is the reticulated python, which is the longest non-venomous snake in the world, and it will be handled by our female 'Red Heroes,' our female firefighters."
Those reptiles were caught during operations and would be released after the parade.
As of today, the department only has four snake experts statewide.
During the event, the team showcased their rapid intervention motorcycles and rescue boats, including an amphibious rigid inflatable boat.
"We are also showcasing a heavy vehicle, the Aerial Ladder Platform, capable of reaching heights of up to 11 floors for high-rise rescues. The next heavy vehicle is the water tanker, which can carry a capacity of 20,000 litres of water."
The department was among 39 contingents in the asset and vehicles category participating in the parade here, held in conjunction with National Day.
Earlier, 147 contingents from schools, higher learning institutions, Sabah ethnic associations, and non-uniformed and uniformed bodies joined the parade.
Present at the event were Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, cabinet ministers, and mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, among others.