M’sians critical of SOP despite fire dept statement

PETALING JAYA: Despite the Fire and Rescue Department confirming all standard operating procedure (SOP) was adhered to in the Taman Putra Perdana mining pool rescue operation, it did not stop people from questioning and criticising what had gone wrong.

Many Malaysians asked how the operation, which saw six firemen drown, was conducted, whether it was appropriate for all of them to be tied together to a rope instead of separate ropes.

They also raised concerns on the department’s SOP, training and equipment strengths in handling a rescue operation in such circumstance.

On Rakyat bersama SPRM’s Facebook page, a user Lukeman Raajah, commenting on a video on the operation, posted: “(There were) no full scuba diving equipment, tanks and gear visible, and no buoyancy-compensating devices.

“No outdoor flood lights were placed strategically, only torch lights for outdoor lighting.”

Lalang Hijau expressed his anger on Facebook, saying it was ludicrous to tether all personnel on a single rope, adding that they should not “toy around with water”.

Another user, Salehudin Al Ayubi called on the department to review the SOP that allowed for the six personnel to be tied together.

“The department director should answer to all citizens and the affected families. A lesson needs to be given to top officers to review the SOP. Perhaps something has to be improved,” he said.

However, their hard-hitting remarks were not accepted by all despite the arguments, as concerned Malaysians rebuked some of the distasteful remarks by showing compassion on social media.

“There is no use in posting foolish comments. Firemen do not earn much but their sacrifices can never be valued by money,” wrote Tommy Kim.

Axel Izarul concurred, adding that the six firemen would not have donned the uniform if they were afraid to die for their country and nation.

“I salute them, the true heroes,” he added.

Another Facebook user, Carl’s A Nova said opinions should be expressed in an objective manner without hurting anyone’s feeling.

“Do not humiliate others. Nobody wants tragedy like this to happen,” he said.