Teary homecoming for 30 warriors from Lahad Datu duty

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FAMILY REUNION: A soldier from the 4th Royal Armoured Regiment hugs his son upon arrival at the TUDM base departure hall.

KUCHING: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) base here yesterday witnessed mixed feelings of joy and sadness upon the arrival of 30 members of the 4th Royal Armoured Regiment (KAD) after three months of tour of duty in Lahad Datu.

The homecoming of the warriors from ‘Ops Daulat’ at about 11.30am was met by their families and relatives with open arms and tears of joy.

Commanding Officer of the 4th Royal Armoured Regiment Lt Col Shahrudin Ariffin said the returning 30 members would be replaced with a new team.

“This is the first switch for the 4th Royal Armoured Regiment. The situation in Lahad Datu is now under control,” he said.

Arriving with his comrades at the TUDM base yesterday, Corporal Muhammad Abdullah could not describe how much he missed his family during his tour of duty in Lahad Datu.

“It is hard to describe my feelings when I was there (Lahad Datu). However, today I am very happy as I am reunited with my family,” he said.

His wife Nurul Ain Abdullah conceded she was at first shocked that her husband was called up for duty in Ops Daulat.

“During the time he was there, I watched television news everyday for updates of the situation there. I am thankful he has returned safely today,” she said.

Corporal Fairuz Deefanan said he was in two minds about leaving his wife who had just given birth to their second child when he was picked for Lahad Datu.

“I felt very reluctant then. But fortunately, everything went smoothly and I am glad now that I am back with my wife,” he said.

His wife Rosnah Abdul Malik said she was relieved with her husband’s safe return after being separated for three months. “We did keep in touch through phone calls and every day I would watch television to follow up on developments in Lahad Datu,” she admitted.