Batang Kali landslide: Young Amirah Syahirah proves her mettle in SAR mission

BATANG KALI: For Second Lieutenant (PA) Amirah Syahirah Mohd Nor, being a woman is never a hindrance to becoming a member of a rescue team.

Instead, she would take everything as a challenge in carrying out her duties for the sake of religion, race and nation.

The 23-year-old officer from the Civil Defence Force Special Team (PASPA) is one of several female rescuers who have been at the landslide location in Gohtong Jaya here since the first day of the incident last Friday.

"It's not that difficult to work with male colleagues, and this is something that I have to endure.

"As a special team, we have been trained to do specific tasks regardless of gender because no matter what the disaster or situation is, we need to provide our assistance without giving any excuse," she told Bernama.

Amirah Syahirah said that after several days being at ground zero, she became more comfortable working with the rescue team, adding that everyone would help each other even though they had just met at the site.

She added that despite wearing different uniforms and ranks, their main focus remained the same -- finding the victims and ensuring that the search and rescue (SAR) operation is carried out in the best possible way.

"As a woman, I admit that it is quite challenging to conduct the tasks here compared to men. For example, we need a proper place to relieve ourselves, sleep or pray, and it was quite tough on the first day. But, alhamdulillah (we made it through)," she said.

According to Amirah Syahirah, the relevant parties have taken the initiative to improve the facilities at the site, which enabled all the rescue team members to comfortably clean themselves and take a break after duty.

Asked about her family's reaction to her involvement in PASPA, the young officer said they were worried at first, especially because it involves working outside and being in a stressful and demanding situation during a rescue mission.

"I have explained to them my dream of becoming a rescuer and the risks that come with this job. After that, they began to accept it and gave me their blessings.

"I also would like to encourage more women out there to join any rescue team like myself because we too can do well in this field," she said.

The SAR operation is ongoing for the remaining nine victims of the landslide at the Father's Organic Farm campsite in Gohtong Jaya here.

As of now, a total of 24 victims have been confirmed dead out of a total of 94 people involved in the tragedy, and 61 people have been rescued.

-- BERNAMA