The SK Dipang teacher recalled that he was among a handful of people who jumped into the Kampar River to save the pupils after the suspension bridge gave way.
“I will never forget that day as I watched so many pupils fighting against the strong current to stay afloat,” he said after accepting a certificate of appreciation from Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Asst Comm Mohd Din Rajad during the firemen’s annual gathering at the Gopeng Fire Station Tuesday.
The certificate was given in recognition of his heroic efforts during the Oct 26 incident last year.
Three schoolchildren attending the 1Malaysia camp in Kuala Dipang – N. Dina Deve and M. Devatharshini, both 11, and V. Divyashree, 12 – drowned after the suspension bridge collapsed.
The 34-year-old said he instinctively jumped into the river and managed to save three schoolchildren and a civilian who had wanted to help, from being swept away.
“I never thought this could happen,” he added.
“I almost drowned as I was holding on to two schoolchildren while trying to make it to the riverbank.”
When asked how he felt about receiving the certificate, Mohd Sharif said although he appreciated the gesture, he was not proud to receive the award because three pupils had lost their lives.
“I would have been proud if the three had been saved,” he said.
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