Ministers, politicians convey condolences to families of ‘national heroes’

KUALA LUMPUR: Cabinet ministers and politicians have conveyed their condolences to the families of the six firefighters who drowned in a mining pool in Puchong on Wednesday.

In a Twitter post yesterday, 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 a search-andrescue operation in Puchong.

“Condolences to the families of these heroes.”

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

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

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the incident was heartbreaking, adding that he was sad thinking of what happened to the heroes.

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 extended his deepest condolences to friends, families and colleagues of the victims.

“An unexpected tragedy indeed. Their deaths truly showcase the sacrifices that @bombaJBPM personnel go through, day in and day out, for the people,” he said.

Umno Youth head Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said: “Condolences to the families of the heroes, the six firefighters who drowned in a search-and-rescue operation at the Taman Putra Perdana mining pool. May Allah bless their souls. Al-Fatihah.”

Rembau member of parliament Khairy Jamaluddin said: “Let us honour their sacrifice. Always ready to come to the rescue. AlFatihah.”

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission described the firefighters as national heroes, who were ready to sacrifice themselves in carrying out their duty to the country and people.

In conveying his condolences, Water Activity Safety Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said a commission of inquiry should be set up to investigate the cause of the incident to prevent recurrences.

“Drowning deaths can be prevented if all agencies and local authorities are proactive and do not wait until a tragedy occurs before taking action.”