BATU KAWAN - Fully aware that his duties as a firefighter demand physical strength and endurance, Mohd Irfan Abdul Kholik took the initiative to shed excess weight to ensure he remains fit and capable of responding effectively to emergency situations.
The 29-year-old firefighter from the Paya Terubong Fire and Rescue station, who previously weighed 93 kilogrammes (kg), has successfully shed 22.2 kg to reach 70.8 kg, qualifying him to participate in the I Fit and Eat Right (IFitEr) Weight Management Intervention Programme 2025, jointly organised by the Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and the State Health Department through the wellness hub of the Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) district.
Irfan said that although he joined the programme two months later than the other participants, he did not expect to achieve the weight-loss target, let alone emerge as the champion.
"As a firefighter, it is crucial to maintain physical fitness because operational duties often involve lifting heavy loads and, at times, entering confined spaces. All of this requires a high level of strength and stamina, and without proper fitness, one would tire and become exhausted quickly,” he said.
"I previously felt that my body was too heavy and that I became easily fatigued while carrying out my duties. The station chief also noticed the physical changes and advised me to lose weight. As I am still young, I felt embarrassed and decided to join the programme, which also taught me the importance of discipline,” he said when met by reporters at the closing ceremony of the Penang JBPM’s IFitER and Jom Sihat 2025 at the state JBPM headquarters here recently.
Officiated by State Health Department director Datuk Dr Fazilah Allaudin, the event was also attended by Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah.
Irfan said that, in addition to adopting a balanced diet, he significantly reduced his sugar intake in beverages and maintained a regular exercise routine as part of his weight-loss efforts.
He expressed hope that his achievement would serve as motivation for other colleagues to adopt a healthy lifestyle and take steps towards weight loss.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Shoki said a total of 43 officers and personnel took part in the six-month programme, which was implemented in two phases from June 26 to Dec 4.
"State JBPM recorded an 81.4 per cent success rate of participants who lost weight through this programme, surpassing the 80 per cent target set by top management.
"Of the total participants who completed the programme, eight maintained their original weight, while the rest achieved weight loss. Two participants recorded significant reductions of between 10 and 14.9 kilogrammes, while another two lost more than 15 kilogrammes. No participants gained weight, demonstrating the programme’s positive impact on participants’ weight management,” he said. - BERNAMA