PUTRAJAYA: In past years, muscular firefighters often stole the limelight during the National Day parade.
This year, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is giving the fire brigade a run for their money with a line-up of equally strapping members from the Air Force, Army and Navy.
In fact, the sight of several MAF members rehearsing for the parade recently was captured on video and sparked lively discussion on social media.
MAF bodybuilding team coach Sjn K. Arichandar said a total of 23 bodybuilding athletes – including eight from the Air Force (RMAF) – are participating in this year’s parade to highlight the talent within the team which has been active since 1998.
“Three of these athletes have represented Malaysia at the Asian level. Those who succeed internationally are rewarded with promotions and awards, while local achievements are also recognised and celebrated,” he told Bernama.
Sjn Arichandar said participating in the National Day parade was a way to showcase the talents within the MAF, honour their achievements and inspire more personnel to take up bodybuilding.
For Kpl Ishak Hidayat, 30, from the 23rd Battalion of the Army’s Royal Malay Regiment in Ipoh, the dream of building a strong physique began during childhood.
Upon joining the army, he committed to balancing his military duties with a strict training programme.
“Even with a busy schedule, I make sure to spend at least three hours a day at the gym,” said Kpl Ishak, who has served in the army for over a decade.
His dedication has paid off. He won the prestigious Mr Malaysia title two years in a row (2023 and 2024) and has previously been crowned Mr Asia, Mr ATM, and Mr Daily Bekal.
However, Kpl Ishak admits that success comes with sacrifices. Maintaining a strict diet, which includes cutting out sugar and oily food, is a daily practice.
He also trains six times a week, focusing on strength-building exercises such as chest and leg workouts to be at peak condition.
“Military training and bodybuilding are both equally challenging. The difference is that military training is for the country, while bodybuilding is my personal passion – but both require the same level of discipline.
“During Raya, for example, friends invite me to enjoy all sorts of food, but I have to control my appetite. Staying fit isn’t just about lifting weights, it’s also about having the discipline to say no at the dinner table,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Kpl Ishak is grateful that his diet and training allow him to stay fit and confident, motivating him to represent Malaysia in more bodybuilding tournaments in the future.
On the National Day parade today, Kpl Ishak was initially shy about showing off his physique in public but agreed to take part after being encouraged by his family and teammates.
This year’s National Day celebration, themed “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni”, will be held at Dataran Putrajaya, while the Malaysia Day celebration will take place in Penang on Sept 16.
