PADANG BESAR: LOO Heng Sang is a regular family man with a full-time job.
However, not many know that the 55-year old has been a volunteer firefighter for the last three decades.
He is passionate about his volunteer services, so much so that he does not mind spending his own money to buy uniforms and other firefighting equipment.
Just like every other volunteer firefighters of Padang Besar Hock Teik Soo Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, Loo is an unsung hero who had saved many lives.
Loo said he was among the first to join the volunteer firefighting team when it was established about 30 years ago, following a fire in a market in Padang Besar.
“Before 1986, the nearest fire department was in Kangar, some 40km away from here.
“Since young, I always have the urge to help others and the volunteer firefighting squad gave me the opportunity.
“So with my family’s blessings, I joined as a volunteer. Most of the time, I have to give up on sleep but the satisfaction of being able to save lives is worth the sacrifice,” he said.
Loo is now the chairman of the volunteer firefighting association.
He recounted an unforgettable experience when he was involved in an operation to put out a raging inferno that engulfed several warehouses, here, three years ago.
Loo said it took them one hour to put out the flames.
“I was on my way back from work when I received the distress call and immediately rushed to the scene to join other volunteers there.
“It was the biggest fire I encountered in my 30 years of experience. Thanks to the training the Fire and Rescue Department gave us, we managed to help them extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses and shop lots,” he said.
On the new batch of volunteers, Loo said he was proud to see youngsters signing up and dedicating their free time to community service.
“I hope more youngsters will take part in voluntary efforts to help people in need,” he said.