PM: Effective training must be given to rescue personnel

PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister wants members of rescue units to be better trained to face risky situations.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who described the deaths of six firemen on Wednesday as a great tragedy, said effective training should be provided to prevent rescuers from falling victim themselves.

“I hope this kind of incident will never happen again. This is such a tragic incident,” he told reporters after opening the 6th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management here yesterday.

He extended his condolences to the families. “I hope they remain strong in this challenging period,” he said, pledging government aid to them.

National Water Activity Safety Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said an independent and thorough investigation should be carried out.

“This is to find out the exact cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.

“For this purpose, a commission of inquiry should be set up,” he said, adding that those involved in rescue operations should take into account the possibilities that could arise during such operations.

“The investigation panel should also check why the first victim, the 17-year-old youth, drowned in that pond and whether there are barriers or signs warning about the dangers in that pond.

“Since we are now entering the monsoon season, more areas throughout the country will be filled with water and pose a danger to the public,’’ he added.

Cabinet ministers and other leaders also conveyed their condolences to the families.

In a twitter post, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said: “I am saddened by news of the death of the six heroes of the rescue team during the searchand-rescue operations in Puchong. Condolences to the families of these heroes.”

Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo described the news as saddening.

“My condolences to the families of the firefighters who were killed while performing their duties. They are all Malaysian heroes,” he tweeted.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the tragedy was heart-breaking.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said: “Very sad. Condolences to the family members. The six firefighters who perished are truly national heroes.”

Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar also extended his condolences to friends, family and colleagues of the victims.