KUCHING: Swift response by authorities helped prevent two men from endangering themselves in separate incidents early this morning.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), they received distress calls from the police at 8.14 am in Kuching and 8.53 am in Belaga.
In Kuching, a foreign labourer was seen standing on the edge of the roof of a four-storey shophouse at MJC, Batu Kawa.
Firefighters from Batu Lintang station were promptly dispatched to the scene to assist the police in the rescue operation. Bomba added that they received a similar call earlier at 3.40 am, but no one was found at the scene at that time.
With the help of police personnel, firefighters managed to calm the man, who is in his 30s, and persuaded him to step away from the edge. He was later brought down safely and handed over to the police for further action.
In Belaga, firefighters from Belaga station were called to a hotel at Jalan Pasar Belaga following a report involving a man on the roof.
The team, assisted by Civil Defence Force (APM) members, successfully coaxed the 56-year-old unemployed man to come down safely. He was then handed over to the police for further action.
In the meantime, those experiencing emotional distress, can reach out to Befrienders for confidential support through trained volunteers at 03-7956 8145/8144 or via email at sam@befrienders.org.my.
Befrienders Kuching is also reachable at 082-242800 or sam@befrienderskch.org.my. The non-profit organisation provides emotional support for individuals facing depression or suicidal thoughts from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm daily.