THANKS to his skill in pencil sketching and sharp observation, Kpl Mohamad Zahid Mahat helped track down a suspect involved in a store break-in in Segamat, Johor.
The 36-year-old policeman, who is based at the Segamat district police headquarters, said the breakthrough came after a witness saw the suspect leaving a store that had been broken into.
“I called the witness and asked him to describe what the suspect looked like, from his hair to the shape of his mouth.
Kpl Mohamad Zahid, who has been in the police force for over 11 years, said the sketch was then circulated to police stations nationwide in the hope of helping to track down the suspect.
“At one point, the suspect went to the Muadzam Shah police station in Pahang to lodge a report claiming that his motorcycle had gone missing.
“That move backfired, as officers there identified him and arrested the man,” he said, noting that the sketch was later assessed to be almost 90% likeness to the suspect.
Kpl Mohamad Zahid was among more than 30 people, including members of the public, who received letters of appreciation from Johor deputy police chief DCP Hoo Chuan Huat in conjunction with the recent Police Day celebration.
Another recipient was Nusa Bestari police station chief Insp E. Prem Pradid, 44, who has served in the force for 22 years.
“I feel truly grateful to be given this recognition.
“At the very least, the sacrifices I have made all these years are appreciated by the leadership,” said Insp Prem.
The father-of-three said his interest in serving as a cop began at a young age.
He joined the Scouts body in primary school.
While pursuing his diploma, he joined the Territorial Army.
Insp Prem previously worked in the Commercial Crime Investigation Department and the Traffic Department, before being appointed as the chief of Nusa Bestari police station.
Another officer recognised was Konst Juanna Sari Petrus, 25, from the Segamat police headquarters.
“I am really happy to receive this certificate, as it is my first since joining the police force.
“I am still new in the force, having worked for only three years,” she said.
She added that before joining the police, she was active in rugby and even represented the country.
Meanwhile, businessman Datuk Chong Fu Phing, 56, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his support in upgrading facilities at the Kulai police headquarters.
“I am very happy to receive this certificate and even happier to be able to help the Kulai police in upgrading their facilities, such as repairing the roof and broken drains.
“Over the years, I have also contributed to the Pontian police headquarters. I am glad that my efforts are appreciated by the police leadership,” he said.
