LUMUT: When it comes to breaking fast during Ramadan, every Muslim is surely longing to have their meals comfortably with their families at home.
However, for 78 crew members of Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) KD Selangor vessel, they have to brave through strong waves and unpredictable weather conditions while fasting, all in the name of safeguarding the nation’s waters.
Recently the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) along with other press members had the opportunity to join crew members of KD Selangor at sea for two days, as the seamen were on ‘Ops Helang’ mission off north Langkawi from June 13 to 24 to conduct surveillance on Rohingyan refugees.
For 28-year-old Lt Nuur Iswanif Abdul Rahman, despite being on duty during Ramadan for four times previouly, it was his first year on KD Selangor.
The KD Selangor Surface Warfare officer said the drill routine on the vessel was conducted as usual even though it was the fasting month to ensure that the ship was always prepared for any eventuality.
“Honestly, it is tiring while on duty during Ramadan.
“Though fasting, we are not exempted from doing daily routines such as the maintenance tasks and drill routine.
“I was assigned to take care of front artillery and small firearms affairs, while ensuring the crew’s preparedness in terms of shooting, either in drills or in a real situation,” said Nuur Iswanif who served onboard KD Kelantan prior to this.
For KD Selangor Commanding officer Captain M Saravanan, Ramadan did not give any impact on its crew members and in fact, they were more motivated and focused in their duties.
M Saravanan said although he was not a Muslim or fasting, he still wanted all his crew members to observe the fasting month properly.
“If the weather is bad on a certain route when it is almost the time for breaking fast, I will change its direction to give way (for crew members) to break fast and perform prayers.
“After that, I will change back (to original) route and continue with the operation,” he said, adding that he had been in charge of the ship since March last year. — Bernama