Despite the victims being complete strangers, a Malaysian family has decided that they are willing to close their stall selling food and drinks just to help the search and rescue (SAR) team to find the missing people who were caught in a kepala air (water column) incident at Jeram Air Putih, Terengganu.
According to a report by Berita Harian, 26-year-old Norazira Abdul Hadi, along with her 3 siblings and their mother were not only willing to sacrifice their time, but they also didn’t mind having no income for the day as they wanted to help with the SAR operation.
On top of that, they brought food and drinks for the SAR team members.
Norazira shared that she and her family took the initiative to camp at the riverbank to help the authorities and the victims’ families by trying to spot the victims in the water.
“Indeed, I was surprised when I heard about this incident which caused us to take the initiative to camp here to see if there are any suspicious objects passing through the area. Just like yesterday, we saw an object and immediately reported it to the fire department for further action,”
“Even though we couldn’t go towards the object, it still made us satisfied because we were able to help the rescue team,” she said.
Her older sister, 33-year-old Norhasimah added that they were at the location from 9am to 6pm.
“We are here since last Monday and only went back home to Kampung Batu 14 which is located about 3 kilometers from the bank of this river to eat and pray. It’s true that we don’t know them (the victims) but we try to put ourselves in that situation,” she said.
In the meantime, the Director of the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Terengganu, Hassan As’ari Omar expressed his gratitude to the people who have helped the SAR team, including those who have contributed to the operation.
“I was quite moved by the family spirit of the people of Terengganu, especially the villagers around this area, who together with the SAR team, have helped to see objects floating in the river,” he said.
It’s truly amazing to see how Terengganu folks step up when their fellow Malaysians are in need of help.
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