SHAH ALAM: Fireman Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, 24, would have received an Excellent Service Award if he had not died of injuries sustained during Sri Maha Mariamman temple riots in USJ 25 last year, the Coroner’s Court was told today.
Subang Jaya fire and rescue station head Syed Shahril Syed Sulaiman, the 18th witness in the inquest into Adib’s death, said he had nominated Adib to receive the award before the Nov 27 incident.
“Adib was someone who was easy to approach and friendly, he is was close to everyone at the balai, including myself.
“He always smiled in whatever situation and liked to give thumbs up to people surrounding him.
“At Subang Jaya fire station, we practiced the concept of brotherhood and upheld the principles of ‘Seerat, Serasa, Sehati, Sejiwa’,” he said when answering questions asked by deputy public prosecutor Hamdan Hamzah today.
Syed Shahril burst into tears when sharing one of the moments he had with Adib.
“I liked to joke with Adib, I joked with him even when he was asking for leave for his wedding, scheduled to take place on Dec 22 last year.
“I told him that I will only approve his leave if I am the first one to receive his wedding invitation card.
“We laughed together and Adib told me I should attend his wedding as he would be the last one at the fire station to tie the knot in 2018,” he said.
The inquest continues tomorrow.