GEORGE TOWN: Raya songs echo across the deck as crew members on board KM Sikuati share a modest spread of festive snacks, marking a quiet Hari Raya Aidilfitri far from home.
At sea off Penang, the celebration is simple, but the responsibility remains unchanged as the team carries out Ops Pagar Laut to safeguard the country’s maritime borders.
Among them is Petty Officer Azhar Salleh, 48, who is marking his ninth consecutive Hari Raya on duty.
He knows that duty outweighs tradition and celebration comes second to service.
“Of course I miss celebrating with my wife and four children, especially during the first morning when everyone gathers to seek forgiveness and enjoy breakfast together.”
He said that in the early years, his wife had asked him to apply for leave, but has since come to understand the demands of his role.
“My wife acknowledges that this responsibility comes with the uniform. We usually celebrate after my patrol ends.
“We make a video call so I can still see my children in their baju Raya. It’s not the same, but at least we can share the moment.”
The former navy personnel, who joined the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency nine years ago, said there were times his wife returned to her hometown in Kelantan and waited for him there.
Despite the distance, small gestures help bridge the gap.
KM Sikuati commanding officer Lt Komander Mohd Hafiz Fahmi, 41, who has served for 16 years, said teamwork and vigilance were crucial in addressing maritime challenges.
“Every crew member is trained to be ready for any situation, whether it involves emergencies or daily patrols. Our goal is to maintain a secure and orderly maritime environment for the public,” he said.
He said playing Raya songs and sharing festive treats were part of efforts to lift morale on board, noting that such moments help strengthen camaraderie during long patrols.
“We also received Raya hampers containing kuih, lemang and other delicacies from senior officers.
“Even when separated from loved ones, our team remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the waters. Duty comes first, but we also try to make the celebration aboard meaningful,” he added.
For Sub Acting Lt Muhammad Amirul Mustafa, who just joined the fleet two years ago, this year’s celebration carries a different meaning.
“Last year I was still undergoing training at the academy, so this is my first experience celebrating at sea,” he said.
The former IT engineer, 31, said he missed his wife’s cooking, especially rendang and ketupat.
“It is quite sad, but given the responsibility of protecting the nation’s sovereignty, I am willing to sacrifice,” he said, adding that the encouragement from his wife and family kept him focused on his duties.
Despite the sacrifice, Muhammad Amirul said there was a strong sense of camaraderie among crew members who were on duty during Hari Raya.
“We celebrate in a simple way on board. We share food together and greet each other. It is like celebrating with another branch of family,” he said.
