IPOH: This is the third year in a row that Civil Defence Force member Mohd Rosaidi Hamadi will not be returning to celebrate Hari Raya with his parents in Sabah.
The last time that Mohd Rosaidi, 39, visited his parents was back in 2019.
“I miss my parents, especially during Hari Raya when everyone would gather.
“However, my wife and children are here so I will spend some time with them once my shift ends,” he said when met at the force’s Kinta district operations control centre here.
Mohd Rosaidi is among the personnel who would be on duty during the Hari Raya celebration.
However, those interviewed said they were not upset about having to work and missing out on celebrating with their family and relatives.
Mohd Rosaidi’s colleague, Muhd Aqma Hakim Mohd Zaidi, 24, will be celebrating the festive period in Ipoh although his parents are in Kelantan.
“I am willing to sacrifice my leave and be stationed here to ensure that I am around when my services are needed.
“During the festive period, there are many incidents that may occur and what is required is manpower, so I am willing to forgo taking my leave,” said Muhd Aqma, who has been in the force for about three years.
Nur Aqilah Farhana Mohamad Halmi, 24, from Johor, offered to be on duty this Hari Raya as she is still single.
“For the past three years, I have been on duty, allowing those married with families to take leave.
“I enjoy my work and wish to be here when help is required,” she added.
Aris Putra Rosni, 26, also does not mind working during Hari Raya.
“When my shift ends, I will spend time with my wife and her family in Tronoh, which is not far away from here,” he said.
Perak Civil Defence Force director Col Rohaizat Hadli said 310 personnel would be on duty at the 12 districts statewide throughout the festive period.
“‘There are two main tasks we respond to. Firstly, the calls made via 999 and the second is under ’Ops Prihatin’ throughout the festive season,” he said before presenting cookies to the staff on duty.
The teams, said Rohaizat, would be patrolling hotspots along both the state and federal roads to help those facing emergency situations.
“We help change tyres, and assist drivers who have run out of petrol, as well as in towing services.
“With the unpredictable weather, we are also keeping an eye out for flash floods, as well as the uprooting of trees and damaged roofs by strong winds,” he added.
The force will also be on standby to carry out humanitarian services, such as responding to calls of pets stuck on trees and rooftops.
“The possibility of snakes, monitor lizards and other creepy crawlies ‘visiting’ homes is also high due to the weather, as well as people playing with firecrackers,” he said.
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