KUALA LUMPUR: It has become a routine for Mohd Amir Faizal, and his teenage son Muhammad Adam, from Sungai Petani, Kedah to lend a helping hand and offer rescue assistance to East-West Highway users during their spare time.
In the past two years, despite its unconventional nature, the father and son team has transformed voluntary rescue work into their hobby and so far they have undertaken over 20 rescue operations, helping with accidents, flat tyres, and removing fallen trees along the Jeli, Kelantan, to Grik, Perak stretch.
They usually depart from their home in Bandar Seri Astana, Sungai Petani, around 9am, reaching Batu Melintang, Jeli, by approximately 1pm and after covering a total distance of 400km, they return home.
Mohd Amir navigates a Proton Exora equipped with essential tools, including a chainsaw, emergency kit, fire extinguisher, and jumper cables to assist anyone in need along the JRTB whenever such situations arise.
Speaking to Bernama recently, Mohd Amir, 45, shared that his involvement and experience in rescue work date back 10 years, a period during which he became a volunteer with the Civil Defence Force (APM).
Mohd Amir said in the early stages, his voluntary service was only focused on the residents of Sungai Petani but now he offers his services wherever he goes, especially on the East-West Highway, extending his assistance as far as possible.
"At the same time, this road is also a form of therapy for me because I can see the lush greenery and the chance to witness wildlife, such as elephants, directly in front of my eyes, has a calming effect," he said.
Mohd Amir, who doubles as a trader, pointed out that during the holiday season, the highway experiences higher traffic, elevating the risk of emergencies caused by factors like potholes, landslides, and fallen trees due to rain.
"There were instances during my patrols on the highway where I came across four cars with flat tyres due to potholes. I've also assisted in cutting and clearing areas where fallen trees obstructed the road," he shared, adding that these efforts will persist as long as his health permits.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fauzi Azizan, a regular user of the highway, recommended that the authorities set up rest areas along the route for rescuers.
This, he suggested, would enable quicker assistance and more efficient rescue operations in the event of accidents.
He said this suggestion should be taken seriously, as the road was the only connection for residents of Kedah and Perlis, to the east coast and the number of vehicles using the road has been increasing every year. –BERNAMA
