A dramatic rescue operation in Kuala Lumpur, involving the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department’s (BOMBA) frogmen, has captured widespread attention.
The team is working under perilous conditions to locate the missing female tourist who fell into a sewage pit on Jalan Masjid India.
Near-zero visibility
According to a video posted on TikTok by BOMBA’s Operations and Rescue Unit Officer, Ali Madia, the search operation is fraught with difficulties.
The frogmen face rapid currents, near-zero visibility, and narrow passages, which severely hinder their efforts.
The 53-second clip shows two Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) personnel monitoring the situation from above, while a frogman stands ready to dive into the murky waters below.
The video quickly went viral, gathering over 3.1 million views and more than 7,000 comments within a day. The incident, along with images of the rescue scene, has sparked widespread public concern and admiration for the firefighters’ bravery.
It is our duty as firefighters
“Descending into underground tunnels for rescue missions is undoubtedly terrifying, but it is our duty as firefighters. We confront our fears and leave the rest to a higher power,” Ali Madia commented in response to the outpouring of support.
He also noted that the sewage system at the scene connects to multiple underground passages, posing additional risks, especially in the event of rain.
All decisions regarding the rescue are made after careful discussions and consultations with experts to ensure the safety of the team.
“Treat every rescue with the utmost dedication”
“No matter the race, religion, age, nationality, or social status, we treat every rescue mission with the utmost dedication. We do everything in our power to save those in need because every firefighter possesses a noble spirit of saving lives,” Ali Madia stated.
Reassuring the missing person’s family, Ali Madia emphasized that the team is doing everything possible to find their loved one and urged the public to keep them in their prayers.
While some netizens requested more footage of the rescue operation, Ali Madia explained that certain locations are too dangerous or sensitive to film.
However, he promised to share other images and videos to help the public understand the challenging work of firefighters.
The ongoing rescue operation continues to hold the nation’s attention, with hopes that the missing tourist will be found safe soon.
Watch the full video here: