Civil defence training helps her remain calm
Noor Fatiha Arshad’s six-year stint as a volunteer at the Kulim Civil Defence Force came in handy during the ferry fire here on Monday.
Noor Fatiha, 29, who was in the ferry, said it was chaotic when the passengers were making their exit.
“The thick smoke made things more difficult. I managed to get hold of a young girl and helped her put on a life vest.
“I was nervous at that time, but as a result of my civil defence training, I stayed calm and mustered my courage to help the girl,’’ she said yesterday.
Noor Fatiha was returning home after attending the opening of the Langkawi Civil Defence Complex yesterday.
She lost her luggage and valuables, such as a laptop, gold chain and uniform.
For civil servant Syamin Hassan, uppermost on his mind during the chaotic moment was the safety of his wife, who was six months pregnant.
‘’I helped her until we got out of the ferry. However, we were separated as she boarded a different lifeboat,’’ said Syamin, who was still traumatised by the incident.
He lost his luggage, including chocolates, kitchen utensils and minyak gamat (sea cucumber oil) that he bought while holidaying on the island. Kuah, Langkawi, by private boats that were in the area after the ferry caught fire.
Quick action by ferry supervisors, who asked passengers to
Kedah Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker and Ayer Hangat assemblyman Juhari Bulat thanked the skippers of a tourist boat and a boat heading to Pulau Tuba for rescuing the victims.
“We’d also like to thank Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad through the Langkawi Member of Parliament’s Office, who rented a special ferry for the passengers to return to Kuala Perlis at 6pm.
“I urge passengers to lodge a police report on their luggage that was destroyed in the fire.
“We will determine who will bear the losses, whether it is the ferry operator or the insurance company.” put on life jackets and evacuate the boat as they detected smoke and fire, had helped to prevent the loss of lives.