Burning determination turns aimless youth into fire chief

 

Sungai Buloh fire chief Abdul Latif Mat Noor climbed the ranks after joining the fire and rescue services as an administrative staff.

PETALING JAYA: From modest beginnings, Abdul Latif Mat Noor’s patience and drive proved to be an unquenchable flame as he climbed the ranks of the fire and rescue department.

Latif had aspired to further his studies after completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia in the late 1980s but lacked the means to do so.

As with many wide-eyed youths in their early 20s, he felt directionless in life and would spend his days soul searching.

With a lack of job opportunities available, the Perak native decided to try his luck joining the fire and rescue department where he began as an administrative staff at the department’s training academy in Kuala Kubu Bharu.

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Latif soon sought permission to join the training programme after being intrigued by watching the firefighters in action.

“I thought the job was to only contain fires. As a young man with no exposure to firefighters’ work, I didn’t know the job scope was extensive,” he told FMT.

He then built up his skills as he progressed through course after course before becoming an open water rescue expert. His other expertise included containing forest fires and searching for lost hikers.

Latif witnessed his peers with higher academic qualifications obtaining promotions ahead of him, but his self-belief and determination never wavered.

His patience and endeavour would pay off when he was made Sungai Buloh fire chief and operations commander in March last year.

Asked if he ever doubted his leadership abilities despite his lack of higher education, Latif admitted that he was no natural-born leader but said years on the job gave him the belief and confidence in his ability to lead.

“When senior officers and colleagues gave me moral support, and after attending numerous courses and on-the-job training, I knew I had the confidence to lead the team.”

Looking back, the 56-year-old said he had no regrets over not furthering his studies beyond SPM, adding that this was the path he had chosen.

On what message he had to SPM students, he said: “There’s no shortcut in life, you have to show your ability and prove your worth to your superiors.”

Latif’s journey from aimless SPM holder to Sungai Buloh fire chief is testament to the drive and patience he possessed, even in the face of restricted opportunities and a humble upbringing. - FMT