A Malaysian man is now being praised for his extraordinary bravery after risking his own life to save his elderly neighbours from a devastating house fire in Kepong.
In a heartfelt Facebook post shared on 9 May, social activist Kuan Chee Heng, better known as Uncle Kentang, revealed that the fire occurred about two weeks ago and destroyed four houses.
According to Kuan, while many people would naturally flee from a raging blaze, a man named Harvinder chose to do the exact opposite.
Without hesitation, Harvinder reportedly broke through the back fence of his neighbour’s burning house and rushed inside to rescue an elderly couple trapped within the flames.
Kuan shared that Harvinder carried both the elderly man and his wife, who was unable to walk out of the burning home and brought them to safety.
“Thanks, Harvinder. You are a real living hero. Although they don't talk much to each other despite living back-to-back, on that night Harvinder mustered all his strength to tear down the back fence and carried them to safety,” Kuan wrote.
“Not many will dare to do what Harvinder did. We do not know where his strength came from, but he saved two lives that night,” he added.
Tragically, the elderly couple’s son, a 53-year-old bedridden person with disabilities (OKU), did not survive the fire.
Kuan also expressed disappointment that Harvinder’s heroic act was not widely highlighted in news reports following the incident.
“No paper highlighted Harvinder's heroic act. Maybe it is unimportant. Maybe it just went unnoticed,” he wrote.
However, he explained that he waited until the grieving family had some time to mourn before publicly sharing the story. He also revealed plans to personally honour Harvinder for his courage and selflessness.
“I couldn't stand that no one highlighted Harvinder's guts, brute strength, and bravery in saving neighbours he rarely even talks to. He is really our Malaysian hero,” Kuan said.
The incident is believed to be linked to the fire reported in Taman Ehsan on 30 April.
According to reports, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia received an emergency call at 2.26am involving four single-storey terrace houses. The firefighting operation involved 40 personnel before the blaze was successfully brought under control at 4.29am.
Amid the tragedy and heartbreak, Harvinder’s actions have now become a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, humanity and courage still exist.
Source / Image Credit : Chee Heng Kuan
