Over 300 GOF personnel are deployed on a 34-day border security operation during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, ensuring national safety while being away from their families.

TUMPAT: A total of 360 personnel from the General Operations Force Battalion 8 Pengkalan Chepa are on duty safeguarding border security throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season.

Southeast Brigade GOF deputy commander ACP Mohd Hazazi Othman said all personnel are focusing on efforts to curb smuggling activities and other crimes in border areas.

He stated that the 34-day assignment began a day after the start of Ramadan as part of ongoing enforcement operations at the nation’s borders.

“Although the festive season is approaching, GOF personnel remain committed to carrying out their duties to ensure the country’s safety and sovereignty continue to be preserved,” he said after a working visit to Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan.

Mohd Hazazi added that the visit aimed to provide moral support and boost the spirits of personnel who have to be away from their families while other Muslims celebrate Aidilfitri.

Meanwhile, Insp Afifah Yacob from GOF Battalion 8 said this year marks one of her experiences being on duty during Hari Raya since joining the force in 2021.

The mother of two, including a nine-month-old baby, said her commitment requires her to always be ready for deployment despite being based in Kota Bharu.

“Although there is a sense of sadness because I cannot be with my family during Hari Raya, I stay strong because this is a responsibility to the country,” she said.

 The Sun Malaysia