festive meals, a portion of the country’s frontliners remained at their posts, sacrificing personal celebrations for the call of duty.
From border checkpoints to patrolling the nation’s waters, these personnel remained vigilant, carrying out their duties throughout the festive period.
The Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex in Johor Baru was filled with the bustle of travellers rather than the aroma of home-cooked rendang.
For Immigration officer Mohd Khalifah Mashadi, an 11-year veteran, the sacrifice is a familiar part of the job.
Mohd Khalifah, 36, said while he was used to working during Hari Raya, a tinge of sadness still filled his heart when the takbir raya echoed on the first morning of Syawal.
“I know we have a duty to fulfil. But of course, I feel a bit sad about not spending such a special day with my family.
“Honestly, it did not really affect me much when I was single, but now that I am married with children, it hits harder,” he said, adding that his children were aged between three and nine.
The father-of-three said realising that spending Hari Raya with his family did not come easy, made him appreciate his time with them more.
Last year, Mohd Khalifah was off duty but this year is his turn to “hold the fort” while others headed home.
“So, I really made sure I went all out celebrating with my loved ones, especially my children, before my turn to work.”
“We get many ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ wishes from travellers, regardless of race and nationality.
“Some even gave us festive biscuits.
“These gestures make us feel seen and appreciated,” said Mohd Khalifah, who was manning the counters at the BSI CIQ on the first day of Raya.
He also hopes travellers understand that he and his fellow Immigration officers are making an effort to ensure smooth clearance.
“We know the frustration of waiting, sometimes for hours, but we hope they understand that we are doing our best.”
His colleague, Mohamad Farhan Maskon, 36, notes that seeing families cross the border clad in matching baju raya can be bittersweet.
Like Mohd Khalifah, Mohamad Farhan feels the impact of missing Raya with family more acutely after becoming a father.
“My six-year-old daughter may wonder why her father is not around on Raya day, and that is the saddest part for me,” said Mohamad Farhan.
Also on duty at BSI was 30-year-old Customs officer Muhammad Ammar Nabil Abdu Samat.
Hailing from Batu Pahat, the officer of three years said he took the light-hearted – if repetitive – questions from the public in his stride.
The festive wishes he receives serve as a reminder that travellers appreciate his sacrifice.
“Sometimes people ask ‘Tak balik Raya ke?’ (Not going back for Raya?)
“It is a bit funny since I am standing right here, but I know it is their way of showing thoughtfulness,” said Muhammad Ammar.
For some, working the holiday is a pragmatic choice.
People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) member Noor Sariah Amat, 46, chose to work so others could return to their hometowns.
“I am from Sabah and my husband is from Sarawak.
“With flight tickets being so expensive, we decided to stay here.
“By working, I can let others go home,” she said, adding that the festive bustle at BSI kept her mind off her own homesickness.
The vigilance extends to the sea, as Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officer Lt Muhammad Solihin Ismail patrols Johor waters.
“It can be lonely at sea, but we still manage a simple celebration on board with ketupat and rendang,” he said.
Lt Muhammad Solihin, who headed to his wife’s hometown of Kubang Kerian in Kelantan after his stint of duty ended on March 22, the second day of Hari Raya, noted that many of his colleagues from Sabah and Sarawak were not as lucky and they remained at their stations.
He said that knowing he would still get to spend time with his family, kept him going.
“I still get to celebrate Raya despite missing the first two days.”
For others, duty brings them closer to the heart of the festivities.
Azwani Mohd Ismail, 22, of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) was tasked with crowd control at the Johor royal family’s Hari Raya open house on the second day.
“The festive spirit was strong and I even got to try the food, so I still felt part of the festivities.”
She said that while she had to skip family traditions like visiting relatives and friends, her proximity to home was a relief.
“Since my hometown is in Pontian, less than two hours away, I can still drive there after completing my duties,” she said.
For traffic policeman ASP Mohd Fazree Mohd Ariff, 43, the priority remains road safety during the festive season.
“My family understands that the festive season is always a busy time for the police.
“Although I would not be with my family for the first few days of Raya, at least I could still celebrate with them later on.
“A simple ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ from a motorist goes a long way,” said the father-of-three.
