Shaikh Shahril (background) and Muhammad Asyraf hanging up Raya decorations at the Lebuh Pantai fire station where they are serving right through the festive period. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
WHILE Muslims around the country celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri, there was no break for some in the essential services sector.
It is a sacrifice they often have to make to ensure there is no disruption to the daily lives of the community.
Among these unsung heroes are Rapid Penang bus captains who clocked in to work just like every other day and helped facilitate thousands of journeys for locals and tourists.
Mohd Shukri Mat Nayan, 50, spent most of his Hari Raya plying Penang’s roads and had to navigate heavier than usual holiday traffic.
But the Nibong Tebal native, who has been with the company for eight years, took it all in his stride.
“We get festive breaks once every two years.
“This rotation system is fair for all drivers and something I’ve gotten used to.
“The state’s public transport system cannot stop because there are countless people who need the service to get from one place to another,” said Mohd Shukri, who admits missing his family for much of the day, but knows he will still be able to celebrate with them after his shift.
Nurul Adnim Hazanan, 36, who is one of Rapid Penang’s 19 female bus captains, felt the same way.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my family, but they’re very understanding and know this is the nature of my job.
“I sent my kids back to my parents’ home in Kodiang, Kedah, the day before so they could celebrate together.
“After my day shift on Hari Raya, I went back again and found my favourite ayam masak merah and nasi tomato waiting for me.
“We still had a joyful celebration at night. I didn’t feel like I missed out,” said Nurul, who joined the company nine years ago after seeing a vacancy poster while sightseeing in Penang.
Working on Hari Raya was not a dull affair as many of her colleagues came dressed in traditional outfits and even organised potlucks at the depots, she said.
“With everybody wearing baju melayu and baju kurung, and all the different food and snacks around, the atmosphere felt meriah (lively).
“Some of the upper management even joined in.”
Mohd Shukri added that it was a tight-knit family.
“So, in a way, it’s like having two celebrations – one with our work family during the day, and later with our own families at night.”
Having driven most of Rapid Penang’s 47 routes across both the island and mainland over the years, both of them have also got to know many of their passengers.
“We see a lot of familiar faces, from schoolchildren to commuters who take the bus to work every day without fail.
“Some passengers of other faiths still have to work during the Hari Raya break,” said Mohd Shukri who was glad they could continue serving and getting passengers to their destinations.
Rapid Penang has 549 bus captains in total, of which only 19 are female.
Nurul is among the pioneers.
“At first, friends and family were sceptical whether I could handle such a big vehicle, but I wanted to prove that women can do it too. It’s just like driving a car, only bigger.
“I hope I can be an inspiration for other women who are interested in this career.
“You get to be part of a big family, have financial security and be of service to the community,” she added.
As the work surroundings differ each day, drivers also get to meet a lot of different people.
On how rewarding the job can be, Mohd Shukri said one of his usual routes had many tourists who sometimes ask him for information.
“From this, I’ve improved my communication skills and picked up bits of other languages.”
Fireman Shaikh Shahril Shaikh Abdul Halim has been celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri at the Lebuh Pantai fire station for the past six years.
“As a fireman, duty comes first. Spending Raya with colleagues at the station is good enough as they are considered my family as well.
“We always exchange greetings and acknowledge the sacrifices we have made,” he said.
His colleague Muhammad Asyraf Mohd Firdaus, 29, said it was just another day of ensuring public safety and security amid the festive cheer.
The Kuala Kedah-born said he got used to working during Hari Raya ever since he joined the Fire and Rescue Department four years ago.
“It has been a norm for me,” he said when met at the fire station.
Due to the nature of his work, Muhammad Asyraf’s wife and two children would make a trip to Kuala Kedah first before going to her homestate of Kelantan.
He would only join them on the third or fourth day of Hari Raya.
Despite these challenges, both firemen found solace knowing their work allowed others to enjoy the festivities without fear.
Northeast Civil Defence Force (APM) personnel Muhammad Hafizuddin Manap, 28, said he has been celebrating Hari Raya at the APM station in George Town since 2013.
He said he had the same routine every year during Hari Raya, where he would perform prayers in the morning before reporting for duty.
“I’ll bring Raya cookies from my house and share it with my colleagues on duty,” he said.
