A veteran firefighter collapsed and died while taking part in a table tennis training session at the Alor Setar Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) today.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. when Senior Fire Officer II Azahar Abdullah, 50, from the Sungai Petani Fire and Rescue Station, suddenly collapsed during the fourth round of a friendly match.
“Earlier, he looked happier than usual while playing with me at the BBP Alor Setar hall. He won the first and third rounds while I won the second. But as we were about to enter the fourth round, he suddenly collapsed,” said Alor Setar Fire and Rescue Chief, Deputy Fire Superintendent I Ismail Mohd Zain.
According to Ismail, Azahar was still conscious when given initial treatment by fellow firefighters at the hall but later passed away while receiving care at the Red Zone of Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB).
Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel transported him to the hospital after providing first aid, but his death was confirmed shortly after.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department Director, Senior Assistant Fire Commissioner Awang Hidzir Awang Bujang, along with several officers and personnel, were present at the hospital’s Forensic Department to pay their respects.
Meanwhile, Sungai Petani Fire and Rescue Chief, Deputy Fire Superintendent II Siti Norafiza Mohd Noh, said Azahar had served at the station for 29 years.
She added that he only joined today’s training session to represent Sungai Petani in an inter-station table tennis competition.
“He will be taken back to his home in Sungai Petani for burial once formalities here are completed. He was one of our most experienced table tennis players at the station,” she said.
The late Azahar is survived by his wife and child.
