KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): The Senate on Thursday (Oct 21) conveyed its condolences to the family of fireman Mohd Diya Che Jusoh, who died early today after a mishap during a flood evacuation operation in Melaka on Wednesday (Oct 20).

       "It is indeed sad news for us all to learn that fireman Mohd Diya who was involved in the flood evacuation operation in Melaka had died.

       "His death is a huge loss for the Malaysian firefighters. Let us pray for his soul to be blessed and placed among the righteous," Senate president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim (pic) said before the start of the winding-up session of the 12th Malaysia Plan at the Dewan Negara sitting on Thursday.

       Rais said it was hoped that the family would be patient and remain strong during this time of grief.

       Mohd Diya, 46, of the Melaka Tengah Fire and Rescue Station was believed to have been securing a line during floods at 5.30pm on Wednesday to help evacuate residents of Kampung Sungai Putat in Ayer Keroh when he lost consciousness and fell into the swift chest-high floodwaters.

       Fellow firefighters pulled him out of the water and sent him to hospital.

       He was pronounced dead at 3.11am. - Bernama