During the MCO, frontliners work endlessly to keep us rakyat safe. While we stay comfortably indoors, our frontliners including PDRM officers are working tirelessly under the scorching sun, so much so they get visible sun tan marks!
This includes working during Raya, a day which is supposed to be a day-off for most and celebrated among family.
Meet Muhammad Azrul, an Inspector who’s based in Johor Bahru.
While we chill at home, police frontliners are keeping us safe every day
During the whole of Aidil Fitri, he was tasked to
- patrol the neighbourhoods to ensure people and businesses complied to CMCO
- carry out roadblocks for checks, especially at the roads leading to interstate travel
He shares with WORLD OF BUZZ,
“Working during festive days have become a ‘norm’ for us PDRM officers. Only thing is, this time it’s a little more challenging due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“For previous years, after we’re done with our duty and operations, I would take a few days off as holiday to beraya with my family. However this year is different as PDRM officers are not able to take holidays until CMCO ends.”
Even though he has to work during Raya, he still wears a big smile on his face and diligently works through the days with his team.
Getting scolded by stubborn Malaysians
As we all know, it’s not easy being officers during the MCO and CMCO period. Many refuse to comply to SOPs, and yet they lash it out on the PDRM officers who are just doing their jobs.
When asked if he experienced that for himself, he tells us,
“That’s a ‘normal’ thing we face when we stop vehicles. During the start of MCO, I kept getting shouted by angry Malaysians asking why they had to U-turn for crossing state borders. What we do is respond and advise them nicely, so that they will follow instructions and U-turn back home.”
The constant worry of being infected by the virus
It goes without being said that as a police officer who does regular checks, the risk of getting exposed to the virus is much higher. When asked about it, he shares,
“Of course I’m scared of being infected because I do patrols and checks in quarantine centres as well across all of Johor. The possibility of being infected is there, but I diligently follow the SOPs and have PPE on, so I feel a little safer.
“When I head home, I will take a shower outside my house before going in because I do not want to infect my wife and kids.”
While he’s not able to celebrate Raya this year, he says it’s worth the sacrifice
Understanding his duties as an officer, Azrul says it’s okay that he misses Raya this year.
“As long we’re able to care for the safety of our citizens, and contain the pandemic in the country, it is all worth it.”
He wishes to share to follow citizens that:
“The war is not over. Let’s all play our own parts and be responsible citizens to control the spreading of Covid-19. We can do so just by following the SOPs and guidelines the government has issued for us.”
So, guys, we’ve made it so far! Let’s all do our part in society and not let our frontliners’ work be all in vain! Spread this heartwarming story to show support to our frontliners!
Also read: Viral Photos Show PDRM Officers With Deep Tan Marks After Manning MCO Roadblocks Daily
