58 cops rewarded for staying on duty while their own quarters were flooded

GEORGE TOWN: Fifty-eight police officers were singled out for their unwavering support to the cause of public duty when they continued to stay at work on Sunday despite realising that their staff quarters were partially submerged in Farlim, Air Itam here.
For their selfless attitude, the police decided to reward them at a special ceremony.
"These officers were heavily affected by flash floods in Penang, yet they still carried out their duties," said state deputy police chief DCP Datuk Roslee Chik said at the event where he presented token aid to the officers and rank and file personnel Bandar Batu Air Itam police station.
He commended these officers for their dedication in finishing their respective shifts before returning to help their families to clean up.
It was learnt that some of the officers also went on to work additional shift hours due to the sheer volume of the flood waters which had displaced up to 5,000 people throughout Penang by Sunday evening.
They also did not have time to rest as all leave applications for some 2,000 policemen in Penang were frozen in view of the need to provide security and to aid in the flood relief efforts, Roslee said.
The aid included an undisclosed monetary sum, rice, and other basic necessities.
Roslee also said that more contributions and donations will be channelled to their families soon and this included school uniforms and bags.
Present was Northeast district police chief ACP Anuar Omar.
In a related development, state fire and rescue department chief Saadon Mokhtar also revealed that up to 300 active firemen were also affected by the floods at either their stations or their homes.
But just like the cops, the firemen were busy working as emergency responders; relocating the flood victims to higher ground and in some cases administering first aid on those injured while trying to waddle through the rising waters.
Saadon praised his officers for their dedication, especially during the height of the floods where waters rose to roof levels in parts of Penang.