PUTATAN: When the word 'firefighter' comes to mind, many people often picture a strong, muscular man, working tirelessly to save lives in dangerous situations.
However, Putatan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Noor Sherriyana Bohari is proving otherwise – that women too are capable, dedicated to their careers, and able to achieve whatever they dream of in this fortunate land of Malaysia.
Behind her soft-spoken demeanour and neatly-draped hijab, complementing the dark blue uniform of the department, the 39-year-old Noor Sherriyana is quick and agile in performing her duties as a firefighter and managing the Putatan BPP, which has 32 officers and personnel.
Starting her career as a draftsperson at the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR), Noor Sherriyana shifted to a firefighting career on May 2, 2011, and was appointed as chief of Putatan BPP on July 20.
The Putatan native said she had never thought of becoming a firefighter, but after being exposed to the profession during her one-year stint at Sabah JKR, her interest in firefighting began to grow.
"At first, I thought a firefighter's job was only to put out fires, but it turns out there are many other tasks, such as enforcing building codes, conducting fire investigations, and even handling legal cases. That's where my interest in becoming a firefighter truly blossomed," she told Bernama.
The mother of one has served in several departments, including the Sabah Fire and Rescue Operations Division, the Sabah State Operations Centre and the Fire Safety Division.
Commenting on her role as a station chief and a mother, she admitted it is not easy to balance between career and family, as she always needs to be ready for duty. There are times when work takes her out of town.
"For instance, I may start my day working as usual at the office, but by the afternoon, I might need to be in Tawau for urgent tasks," she said, expressing gratitude that her family is always understanding and supportive of her career.
Holding a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the Twintech International University College of Technology in Kuala Lumpur, Noor Sherriyana said being a firefighter comes with its own challenges, especially as part of a frontline uniformed force during critical moments.
"Facing society's high expectations of the fire service, especially during events such as droughts, floods, or house fires, is one of the constant challenges," she said.
She emphasised that with teamwork and cooperation, all tasks and responsibilities are shared among the 32 personnel at Putatan BPP.
Putatan BPP, launched by Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming on July 25, is the second fire station in Sabah to be headed by a woman, after Jalan Lintas BBP. – BERNAMA