Rain or shine, unit members spend a lot of time and work well together, training and carrying out duties to serve the local community
THE Fire and Rescue Department’s (BOMBA) Mountain and Cave Search and Rescue (MOCSAR) unit recently celebrated its anniversary on July 12.
Despite being shy of two years old, the bond of brotherhood among the MOCSAR team members, namely Kenneth Nilong, Undi Mamat, Harvey Faizer Joseph, Kenneth Simon, Willvien Robin, Jimmy Jarau, Layang Barasap, Zackius Beti, Patrick Mani and Mohammad Shaufik Abdullah is unquestionable.
From a sociological perspective, brotherhood can be described as a strong relationship between close friends which often leads to the feeling of kinship with strong cooperation and unity.
While a traumatic event typically leaves one with physical, emotional, or mental scars, the youngest member of the team, Willvien, has nerves of steel to face adversities.
The 28-year-old lost his younger brother, Roviezal Robin, in a flood that hit Deer Cave in the Gunung Mulu National Park back in 2019.
This prompted Willvien to join the team although his family were initially against his decision as the loss of his younger brother still weighed heavily on them.
“I was determined to honour my late brother, but it took some time to persuade my family, especially my mother, to give her blessing. I do understand why my family was not too keen with my decision.
“He was indeed a hero, he did not think twice about his own safety and put those under his care first. I wish to be brave like he was, I want to help save others,” he said.
Willvien is enjoying himself being part of the team as he has learned great things from the others during and outside of their training hours.
Describing the dynamics of the team as more than just regular team members, he sees the others as big brothers whom he looks up to.
“I honestly enjoy being part of the MOCSAR team very much as I have gained new experiences and knowledge. In a way, I am fulfilling my childhood dream of being a part of a cadet uniform body.
“It is great how we get on very well with each other because it will contribute to the success of search and rescue (SAR) operations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kenneth who has been a park guide at the Gunung Mulu National Park for over 20 years, echoed the same sentiment – he is pleased to be part of MOCSAR’s pioneer batch.
Previously the national park had its own SAR team, but it lacked equipment and faced some challenges.
“What makes it very appealing to join MOCSAR is the fact that it is directly under the state BOMBA. Prior to this, there were communication challenges where we would get passed from one person to another if there is a case.
“The team can go and communicate directly with Marudi Fire Station chief Maureen Sim Ah Lian who will give us directives. Therefore, it is now easier and more efficient for us to conduct operations,” he said.
As the team is under the state BOMBA auxiliary firefighters (PBB), Kenneth said the team receives continuous support and guidance from the department.
This is one of the motivation sources that keeps the team members enthusiastic and determined in carrying out their duties with pride.
“Based on my previous experience of being involved in SAR operations, once we successfully locate the victim – it is like we have found the most important thing in the world. Unfortunately, our contributions would often be forgotten soon after.
“Having said that, we are grateful for the appreciation and recognition that we receive under MOCSAR. This goes a long way of boosting our morale and providing a great sense of satisfaction on the work that we are doing,” he said.
Recalling the Deer Cave tragedy, Kenneth revealed that it was the most difficult SAR operation he had ever been involved in.
The SAR team consisting of 68 people had to charter and navigate through the dark and flooded Deer Cave to locate Willvien’s late brother.
Describing the late young Berawan as responsible and dedicated, Kenneth said he was also greatly affected by the loss of Rozieval as he had trained him to become a guide.
“Although the operation was dangerous, we were determined to locate and retrieve Rozieval’s body to bring him home. Some of us went free diving in the Deer Cave’s passage to look for him.
“After about four days of operation, we found him on the pebbled bank in the Garden of Eden – a section within the Deer Cave. It was so named because there is a hole in the cave roof which lets in a ray of light that allows vegetations to thrive,” he explained.
As for Mohammad Shaufik, he joined the team because he wanted to share his over 14 years’ experiences cave exploration at the national park.
He did not hesitate to accept the invitation to join the team when he received an official offer letter.
“I am actually from Mukah but my wife is a Penan from this area. I am currently working as one of the security staff members at the national park.
“I agree with Willvien that we are more than just team members – we are brothers. We spend a lot of time together, training and carrying out duties to serve the local community,” he said.
While challenges are inevitable, he firmly believes that the team members can work well together come rain or shine.
According to Patrick, the main trait that the team members have in common is willingness to help others without expecting anything in return.
He said this is one of the motivating factors for joining the team as it is not only beneficial to the visitors but most importantly to the local community.
“To be honest, I have lost count of the times I lend a helping hand to assist the local community in finding people who went missing in our jungles and even in boat accidents.
“The eagerness to help others regardless of the situation is something that all of us share. I think this contributes significantly to the dynamics of our team,” he said.
He added that successfully overcoming cases and incidents with the team members further strengthens their brotherhood bond.
