KUCHING: “The recognition that I accepted today is like selling silk, and ended up buying mastuli”, says senior training officer of Civil Defence Forces Malaysia (APM) Sarawak Captain (PA) Azamsah Apearal.
According to him, he obtained a much better replacement from what he had sacrificed previously.
Recently he was bestowed with the Pingat Bakti Pertahanan Awam and Excellence Citizen Award for his contribution to APM, community and the country.
Born in Kampung Sentosa, Salim, Sibu, he said that the recognition from the government was tremendous.
However, he added that behind the medal and the award, there were many ups and downs that he had gone through.
Speaking to Suara Sarawak, Azamsah shared three moments that he will never forget during his course of duty.
Among them are were hoisting the Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flag at Annapura mountain, Nepal apart from executing his responsibilities during the level two disaster operation which involves royalty.
“As a public servant, we only follow the orders, with the reason to contribute to the country. In Peninsular Malaysia, I have done it, let alone in my own hometown.
“When I become district civil defence officer (PPAD) Pekan, Pahang, and it was also the COVID-19 pandemic at that time, plus the huge flood that happened at the end of 2021 at the East Coast and the mission to Nepal, climbing one of the highest and most dangerous mountains in the world, Annapura mountain.
“That is why, when I was asked how I felt upon receiving the recognition, I admit that I am excited and was not expecting it.
“I am very happy because this medal is for those who have worked hard to make the country proud,” he said.
He also added that his task to Annapura is not entirely easy.
“When I went to Annapura, I have no sponsor, instead I was using my own money even though the cost for the trip was RM8,000.
“But because of wanting to fly the Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flag, with the spirit of Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban, I decided to proceed with the journey.
“It was the sweetest experience, apart from successfully reaching the summit after a seven-day journey, I was able to hand over the independence brochures and gathered fellow Malaysians in Nepal,” he added.
One other experience that was shared by the former PPAD Betong officer was when a major flood happened in the East Coast, Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah went to the location.
“When baginda wanted to get to boat, we were entrusted to work carefully especially when appointing the crew who knows the flow of Pahang river.
“We ensured that the boat engine is safe during the operation, because only the companions are allowed to get onto the boat.
“Alhamdulillah, when all was done and nothing untoward happened, I was truly proud and happy. Because a Sarawakian can undertake the job without any fear,” he said, describing Tengku Hassanal as someone who is very humble.
Azamsah, who will be 40 years old this March 12, also shared his experience while on duty during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Not only me and APM, as a matter of fact everyone understand the assignment during COVID-19, which was very heavy and we were entrusted to accompany the health team to bring the vaccine to the hospital.
“Once I also brought the body of a Covid-19 victim back from Perlis to Langkawi using APM boat during the night, and we have to help because it is our responsibility.
“Always be sincere and have a good intention so that Allah SWT protect the people on duty, and to receive blessings,” he added.
In the meantime, Corporal (PA) Mohamad Den admitted that he was happy upon receiving the Excellence Service Awards (APC).
He added that he was lucky for being given the trust to teach and perform the responsibilities whole-heartedly.
“Insha-Allah, I will continue to perform my duty with more dedication for the sake of helping the community,” he said.
Throughout his nine years of service, there were many unforgettable experiences, including the major flood in Kuching besides the search and rescue (SAR) operation involving the helicopter crash in Lingga.
Also interviewed was Staff Muda (PA) Mohd Hairuddin Shah Abdullah from Kuching District Civil Defence Office (PDPA) as the volunteer of operation task.
Hairuddin, who have been in the service for 23 years also received the APC and was promoted, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“My aim is to do the best to make APM as one of the most influential agencies. Ever since I joined APM in 2021, there were a lot of bittersweet moments in helping those who are in emergency and dangerous situation.
“Among those which was unforgettable were during the major floods in Kuching in the end of 2004 and early 2005, to the point the road was cut off. During that time, I was assigned to evacuate the trapped families at a house in Kampung Sungai Merah, Matang.
“Due to heavy rains during the night, the water level was getting higher, I was assisted by a friend to get on the boat, bringing torchlight and gone through quite a torrential river. Alhamdulillah, the four-hour task was a success,” he added.
Director of Sarawak APM Assistant Commissioner (PA) Abdul Wahab Rahim officiated at the ceremony where 16 other officers also received their medals and respective awards.
Apart from Azamsah, Mohamad and Hairuddin, Captain (PA) Alias Bujang also received the Setia Dua medal.
Others who received the APC were Corporal (PA) Azina Hadari, Second Lieutenant (PA) Junies Jerin, Corporal (PA) Mahmmued Yalen, Sergeant (PA) Mohd Norafizie Tasai, Corporal (PA) Aurelia Wati Mayleng, Sergeant (PA) Cornelius Dongum, Corporal (PA) Shellbeth Francis, Sergeant (PA) Maherat Mahadi, Lance Corporal (PA) Zaleha Junaidi, Lance Corporal (PA) Shamsul Rasidi, Private (PA) Amirul Hakim Abu and Corporal (PA) Zulhilmi Sani.
