BUKIT MERTAJAM: Mohd Izwan Illias, the fireman who drowned after falling into Sungai Prai at the Fire and Rescue Department's jetty in Mak Mandin last Thursday, was supposed to have accompanied his five children to get supplies for the new school term this week.
Today, the Welfare Association of the Fire and Rescue Department brought Izwan's children to get their school supplies at the Hari Hari clothing store at Bandar Perda here.
Ilham Zulfaqar Mohd Izwan, 16; Ihsan Zulfaqar 15; Jannatul Husna, 13; Izzul Zulfaqar, 10; and, Jenaira Aisyah, six, were accompanied by their grandparents.
Izwan's mother, Rahmah Che Din, 69, thanked the department for helping to fulfil his late son's wish.
Jenaira Aisyah said she was thankful to her father's colleagues for helping the family.
"We managed to get whatever necessary for the new school term," she added.
Besides school supplies, the Welfare Association also sponsored Raya outfits for the five siblings.
Association president Datuk Izram Ahmad Osman said their contribution was nothing compared to Izwan's sacrifices.
Izram, who is also the Fire and Rescue Department director-general, said the initiative would be expanded nationwide with strategic partners to help families in need.
Meanwhile, Hari Hari Bumi Jaya director Datuk Amiludin Latip said they would take the five children as their "anak angkat".
"Throughout their schooling, we will sponsor their uniforms and necessary supplies.
"Let us jointly do charity with the Fire and Rescue Department," he added.
Izwan, 42, was feared to have drowned after falling into Sungai Prai while carrying out boat maintenance work.
His body was found after 19 hours of search at the last location he was reported to have fallen within a 20m radius.