Late ‘snake whisperer’ fireman set for posthumous promotion

KUCHING: Famous ‘snake whisperer’ fireman Abu Zarin Hussin, who passed away last week after being bitten by a cobra while on duty, will be recommended for a posthumous promotion.

Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba) director- general Dato Sri Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim said the passing of Abu Zarin, who was attached to the Temerloh fire station, was a big loss to the department.

“The late Abu Zarin was a very dedicated officer and his passing is a big loss to Bomba, especially when he was very good in doing what he did best – catching snakes and teaching other fire fighters the art of handling snakes.

“For his dedication to his work and services in Bomba, he deserves this posthumous promotion. His contribution to Bomba was his own initiative and his bravery made us all proud,” he said after gracing the Bomba Sarawak excellent service award ceremony here on Wednesday.

The ceremony saw Bomba officers and personnel observe a minute’s silence in remembrance of their fallen comrade.

The 33-year- old Abu Zarin died March 16 after being bitten by a cobra during an operation in Bentong, Pahang four days earlier.

His exploits saw him becoming a viral sensation after being featured on internet portals around the world, as well as British tabloids The Daily Mirror and The Daily Mail.

He even landed a spot in the quarter finals of TV show Asia’s Got Talent last year, where he performed on stage with a large cobra.