PETALING JAYA: Frontliners have no qualms about forgoing their Hari Raya holidays, as many are willingly reporting to work as usual.
For intensive care unit nurse Fakhrul Arif, 30, the festive season is one he willingly trades to care for others in their most vulnerable moments.
“I stay connected in whatever way I can, even if it’s just a quick call.
“At work, I focus on the patients. In a way, they become the people I’m spending Hari Raya with.
“Caring for patients during the festive period gives deeper meaning to the sacrifice,” he said in an interview.
Fakrul said patients do not get to choose when they fall sick.
“Being there for them at their most vulnerable makes it feel worthwhile.
“Over the years, I’ve come to accept that this is part of what it means to be a nurse. We’re needed every day,” he added.
However, he admitted it was never easy to be away from family members.
“There are definitely moments when it hits you, especially when you see photos or videos of everyone together.
“My family has been very understanding. They plan around my schedule so I can still be part of the celebration in some way.
“Sometimes, they even send food to me at my workplace,” he said.
Ambulance driver Mohd Rieza Faiz, 30, knows about distance and sacrifice all too well.
The native from Sabah has spent Hari Raya away from his three children, aged between two and nine.
While they have returned to the state to celebrate with relatives, he remains in Kuala Lumpur with his wife.
“Due to staff shortages during the festive period, I work double shifts of up to 14 hours to cover for colleagues celebrating the festivities,” he said.
His duties also run on a rotation system, so he spends the festive period on duty once every two years.
“When we can’t go back, we just video call. On the first day of Hari Raya, I called my family and watched them celebrate. We’re happy just seeing each other,” he said.
Despite the long hours and distance, his motivation remains clear.
“When we think about helping people, especially accident victims on their way home, that’s what keeps us going,” he said.
However, the job comes with challenges.
“Even with the siren on, some drivers don’t give way. That delay can cost precious time, especially in critical cases,” he added.
Police corporal Azizi Rokiffle, 35, said public duty often comes before personal celebrations.
“It is my responsibility and trust to ensure the safety and well-being of the people,” he said.
Stationed in Klang, he spends Hari Raya monitoring neighbourhoods and maintaining public order.
“Leaving my family behind is not easy but the support from my family and the discipline within me drives me to continue serving,” he said.
Kpl Azizi added that his wife and children have come to understand the demands of his role.
“I will spend time with them before or after duty,” he said.
