Form two student's courage in SAR operation recognised with accolade by PDRM

MARANG: He is only 14 years-old, but his exceptional courage in helping the rescue team to find a drowned victim at Pantai Jambu Bongkok here last December was acknowledged by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) during the 214th Police Day celebration recently,

Muhammad Norman Haikal Mazlan, when contacted by Bernama, said he was overwhelmed and happy to receive the accolade from PDRM.

"I regard it as an encouragement to never hesitate to help anyone in need," he added.

Recalling the incident, which occurred on Dec 25, the boy said his father, Mazlan Mamat, 58, and he used the jet ski to assist in the search and rescue (SAR) for the victim as the rough sea condition, with the huge waves, hampered movement of the rescue boats.

"It was the first time that I was involved in such an operation and I did not expect my small contribution to be appreciated by PDRM," he said.

Muhammad Norman Haikal has been jet skiing since he was six years old, trained by his father and three older brothers, who are known as jet ski racers.

As for Mazlan, his involvement as a volunteer in the SAR operation was not new as he has been helping the police in such an operation for the past 20 years.

"I thank the police for recognising my son's contribution and hope Muhammad Norman Haikal will progress to become a good jet ski racer and use the skill to continue to help others," he added.

Meanwhile, Marang district police chief DSP Mohd Zain Mat Dris said the courage shown by Muhammad Norman Haikal, who is in Form Two at Sekolah Menengah Agama Marang, should be emulated by others.

He said with the assistance provided by Muhammad Norman Haikal and his father, who were on jet skis, in the SAR, enabled the police to end the operation in three days.

The victim was found at 6.30pm on Dec 27 and Muhammad Norman Haikal and a group of jet skiers, as well as other members of the SAR team took two hours to bring the body to shore as the sea condition at that time was very rough and the strong waves made it impossible for rescue boats to approach the beach, he added.

Mohd Zain said Muhammad Norman Haikal's courage and determination in helping the SAR team in the operation attracted the attention of many quarters.

"The incident happened during the monsoon season, during rough seas and huge waves, but Muhammad Norman Haikal was willing to sacrifice his life to help and this should be an example to other young people.

"Congratulations to him and his family and the police hope that more young people will be able to serve the community and the country in the future without expecting anything in return," he added.

The victim, Wan Nashaifudin Wan Latif, 48, from Kampung Bukit Tok Bat Batu 24, Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu, was said to be bathing with six friends in the sea when he was swept by the current.

-- BERNAMA