Ka Feng (centre), her mother and Ling give the thumbs-up to the navy.
SIBU: The family of Hii Ka Feng was excited when she entered the Royal Malaysian Navy in 2018.
Her mother Choo Leh Kwong, 44, was particularly supportive when Ka Feng stated her intention to join the navy soon after she finished Form 5 at SMK Rosli Dhoby here.
She said it’s a blessing for the family to have a member in the armed forces.
“Most Chinese parents are against their children joining the armed forces, but not our family,” she quipped.
Ka Feng said many parents objected to their children joining the armed forces due to the fear of them going into the battle fields.
“It’s a misperception. Not all in the armed forces are required to go to fight. There are many sections or departments in the force,” she said when met at the Ex-Royal Malaysian Navy Association of Malaysia, Sarawak branch office in Tuanku Osman Road here yesterday.
“I am attached to the logistics technician section. Currently I am based at KD Pelanduk in Lumut, Perak where I am into my two-year study in the logistics technician field,” she said.
This second of five siblings said remuneration for services in the armed forces had improved much in recent years.
“On top of that, we’re actually giving ourselves the opportunity to serve our nation,” she said.
Ka Feng said she has always aspired to join the armed forces. “I’m adventurous. So, as soon as I finished school, I looked up in the Internet for ways to join.”
She completed her training at KD Sultan Ismail, Johor just two weeks ago on March 2.
Meanwhile, the Ex-Royal Malaysian Navy Association of Malaysia, Sarawak branch chairman Thomas Ling described Ka Feng as a role model for other youths, particularly the Chinese.
“We hope many other youths will follow in her the footsteps. Come to our office if you want to know more about the prospects in the armed forces.
“You’ve the option of army, naval and air force. Whatever, we’re most willing to assist you,” he added.