Proud firewomen are blazing a trail

BUKIT MERTAJAM: They are young, energetic and they share one common goal – to save lives.

This 12-member team of female firefighters is the pride and joy of the Berapit Voluntary Fire Brigade which was established 23 years ago.

Accounting clerk Suzanne Khor, 33, joined the squad when she was 16 and hasn’t looked back ever since.

“I joined the brigade when I was in secondary school. I would follow the men when they were called out to a fire, ” said the mother of five.

“It was here at the brigade that I met my future husband who is also a firefighter. We have three sons and two daughters, aged between two and 14, ” she said.

Khor said she hoped one day her passion would inspire her children to render help to others without thinking of any reward.

“Usually, I’ll bring my children over to the station to mingle with the firemen.

“Hopefully, they will develop a desire to serve the community too, ” she said.

Also serving in the same team as Khor are housewife Ong Vi Thon, 33, and her younger sister Ong Vi Cher, 21, who recently graduated from college.

On a mission: (From right to left) Vi Thon, Cheng, Si Siew Chin and Chua Boon Nee in a fire engine at the station in Bukit Mertajam.

“I also joined when I was in secondary school while my sisters came on board five years ago.

“Now, we attend training lessons, embark on rescue missions and go through thick and thin together, ” she said.

Hospital customer-service assistant Cheng Pei Weng, 27, said although it was quite tough for her in the beginning as she had to juggle family and volunteer work it has been a rewarding journey.

“There were times that I had to leave my family in the midst of dining or shopping, and rush back to the station.

“I felt bad about having to drop what I was doing with them but the call of duty is more important.

“I’m thankful that my family has been so supportive, ” she said.

The Berapit Voluntary Squad has about 50 active members, aged between 18 and 61. The team responds to, at least, 150 calls a year.

“Apart from getting directly involved in any fire, accident or disaster cases, the women also help to conduct welfare services and also double up on clerical duties at the station, ” said squad chairman Tan Hum Wei, 36.

“Attending to 150 emergencies yearly is not an easy task. We’re grateful that the women are here to help us, ” he added.

The voluntary fire brigade in Jalan Berapit now has a fire engine, a pump-equipped car and four boats. They are in the midst of acquiring a water tanker soon.- Star