BUTTERWORTH: The body of a firefighter who drowned while doing maintenance work on a Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department boat at the Marine Base Jetty in Mak Mandin has been safely buried at the Masjid Jamek Pekan Darat Muslim cemetery, here.
The body of the late Mohd Izwan Illias, a member of the Water Rescue Team, was buried with full ceremonial honours last night.
Also present to pay their final respects was the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department director-general, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad.
Izwan's death was classified as a sacrifice while carrying out his duties. The final tribute ceremony was held to appreciate the late Mohd Izwan's commitment throughout his service in the fire and rescue department.
A sombre atmosphere enveloped the cemetery with the presence of Izwan's five children aged between four and 16, family members, and colleagues.
Izwan's body was found at 5.32pm yesterday, after a 19-hour search operation conducted by the fire brigade.
Previously, it was reported that the victim fell into the Perai River while performing maintenance work on the boat at around 10.10pm on Thursday.