A Penang firefighter shed 22.2kg to improve his strength and stamina for operational duties, winning a state health and fitness programme
BATU KAWAN: A firefighter has transformed his fitness to better serve the public by losing over 22 kilogrammes.
Mohd Irfan Abdul Kholik, 29, reduced his weight from 93kg to 70.8kg to meet the physical demands of his job.
The Paya Terubong Fire and Rescue station personnel participated in the I Fit and Eat Right (IFitER) Weight Management Intervention Programme 2025.
The programme is a joint initiative by the Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and the State Health Department.
Mohd Irfan joined the programme two months after other participants but still emerged as the champion.
“As a firefighter, it is crucial to maintain physical fitness because operational duties often involve lifting heavy loads,” he said.
He explained that tasks sometimes require entering confined spaces, demanding high levels of strength and stamina.
“I previously felt that my body was too heavy and that I became easily fatigued while carrying out my duties,” he added.
His station chief noticed the physical changes and advised him to lose weight.
Mohd Irfan said he felt embarrassed as a young man and decided to join the programme to learn discipline.
He spoke at the closing ceremony of the Penang JBPM’s IFitER and Jom Sihat 2025 event.
The ceremony was held at the state JBPM headquarters and officiated by State Health Department director Datuk Dr Fazilah Allaudin.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah was also present.
For his weight loss, Mohd Irfan adopted a balanced diet and significantly reduced his sugar intake.
He also maintained a regular exercise routine as part of his efforts.
He hopes his achievement will motivate colleagues to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Shoki said 43 officers and personnel took part in the six-month programme.
The programme was implemented in two phases from June 26 to December 4.
State JBPM recorded an 81.4% success rate for participants who lost weight.
This surpassed the 80% target set by the department’s top management.
Of the total participants, eight maintained their original weight while the rest achieved weight loss.
Two participants recorded significant reductions of between 10 and 14.9 kilogrammes.
Another two participants lost more than 15 kilogrammes during the programme.
No participants gained weight, demonstrating the programme’s positive impact. – Bernama
