SUBANG JAYA: While many Malaysians wake up to ketupat, rendang and family reunions on Hari Raya Aidilfitri, firefighters begin their day at the station – in uniform and ready to roll in case of an emergency.
Subang Jaya fire station chief Mohammad Iskandar Zul Akbar Abdul Aziz said serving during this period, although emotionally difficult, is part of his responsibility.
“It has become a norm, especially during my earlier years in the Fire and Rescue Department.
“Personally, what I miss the most is being together with parents, siblings and other family members on the first day of Hari Raya,“ he said in an interview.
Mohammad Iskandar Zul Akbar has been serving in the department for over 20 years with at least 10 Hari Raya celebrations being on active duty.
He said the responsibility carried by firefighters during festive periods also remains heavy.
“We serve so that others can enjoy their celebrations with peace of mind.
“We are always ready for any eventualities. Our preparedness is no different from any other regular day.
“Even when I am not on duty, I will accompany other officers at the station. We’re all in this together,” he said.
Fellow officer Muhammad Faiz Ramli, 33, said the team works on a rotation basis during the festive season.
“I do feel sad as I can’t celebrate with my family but our duty and responsibilities come first.
“What I miss the most is being together with my parents in Terengganu,” he said.
To make up for the celebratory mood, those who remain behind celebrate modestly at the station.
“We celebrate here with dishes such as rendang and lemang that were prepared together,” he said.
Another officer Muhammad Faizal Maar, 36, sent his wife back to her hometown in Kelantan before returning to duty.
“Serving during Hari Raya is more than just a responsibility.
“As frontliners, it’s the sense of giving back to society that keeps us going,” said the father of four.
On an unforgettable experience when serving during the festive season, he said it was tending to an accident victim on the highway several years back.
Officer Muhammad Syafiq Mohamad Lawi, 29, said he has only celebrated Hari Raya once with his family at his hometown in Pokok Sena, Kedah, over the past seven years.
“But I get to celebrate with our ‘family’ here,” he said, referring to his fellow colleagues on duty.
“I definitely miss my mother’s rendang and ketupat. Thankfully, my family is very supportive and understanding,” he said.
