POLICE personnel of Hindu faith, along with their families, gathered for special prayers in Johor Baru to mark this year’s Police Day.
The ceremony, held at the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple, served as both a spiritual reflection and a celebration of the force’s cultural diversity.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk M. Kumar, who was among the special guests at the event, said the annual ceremony reflected Malaysia’s diversity.
“Policemen of all races take part in similar prayers according to their beliefs at their respective houses of worship.
“I am very happy to be invited by the Johor police to be here.
“My only wish and prayer is for the country to prosper under the government.
“The best part of being a Malaysian is the unity and diversity, and we must work hard to preserve it,” he said when met during the event.
Comm Kumar, who served as the Johor police chief before taking on the role of CID director, noted that this year’s gathering also saw the participation of members of the public.
“We are not here just for the prayers.
“We have also brought the Indian community together and contributed in kind to the underprivileged,” he said.
Comm Kumar handed over aid to 25 people, including those with special needs, from two charity homes in Johor Baru.
Also present at the event were Johor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Hoo Chuan Huat and Johor unity, heritage and culture committee chairman K. Raven Kumar.
Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm M. Kumarasan, who was the organising chairman, said that about 500 people took part this year.
Among those present at the event were Asst Supt S. Parthiban, 40, from the Johor police headquarters CID, and Insp S. Sri from the Kluang district police headquarters.
“We take part in the ceremony every year not only for the prayers but also to meet new friends and reunite with those we have known for a long time.
“It also really helped us when we first started our careers as policemen years ago, as it allowed us to get to know seniors who could guide us as we learned the ropes,” said ASP Parthiban.
Kpl N. Majundro, 35, said this was his first time attending the event in Johor Baru after transferring from Kuantan to the Seri Alam district police headquarters in September last year.
“Such gatherings provide an opportunity to strengthen ties among personnel,” he added.
V. Vijaya Saraswati, an administrative clerk at the Johor Baru South district police headquarters, has attended the event three times over the past few years.
She said it continued to leave a lasting impression on her.
“I feel very grateful and happy to be part of it.
“The occasion gives a sense of unity, peace and respect,” Vijaya added.
