SHAH ALAM, March 23 — Hari Raya Aidilfitri mornings are usually marked by reciting the takbir and seeking forgiveness with family, but for some frontliners, the day begins with their duties at sea.
That is the experience of Sub-Lieutenant (M) Muhammad Nur Affiq Nor Hisham, 31, who has spent several festive celebrations in the nation’s waters to ensure continued safety and security.
As a boarding officer on KM Danga, he admitted that Aidilfitri mornings have, at times, passed without loved ones by his side due to his responsibilities as a Maritime officer.
“I began service in 2022 and was assigned to work on the first day of Syawal. I am very grateful that this year I can finally return home to celebrate with my wife and child in Johor,” Affiq said.
Sharing his past experiences, he described the duty of safeguarding the waters, alongside a 24-member crew, over eight days from the first day of Syawal as both different and meaningful.
“During festive periods, fishing boats usually go out to increase their catch for additional income, while there is also an influx of illegal immigrant boats entering the country through unofficial routes,” Affiq said.
Throughout this period, Selangor Maritime's patrol operations cover waters from the Sepang boundary to Bagan Nakhoda Omar, reflecting the continuous sacrifices of frontliners in protecting Malaysia's waters.
Meanwhile, for Selangor Maritime's boat squadron head, Lieutenant Commander (M) Mohd Atraf Abdul Patah, the routine is more challenging, as patrols must be intensified to curb attempts by undocumented migrants to return to their home countries during Aidilfitri.
Having served for more than eight years at the Port Klang maritime base, he said that between four and five boats are deployed to monitor the waters.
Officers face various threats and challenges, including attempts to smuggle drugs and prohibited goods by groups of foreign nationals transported on boats.
“Typically, undocumented migrants do not return empty-handed; instead, they carry prohibited goods as a source of profit.
"As a boat commander, I regard this duty as a trust that must be carried out in accordance with the law, without compromising on safety,” Atraf said.
