Firefighters and private sector workers share the reality of missing Hari Raya celebrations due to demanding work schedules and essential services.

PETALING JAYA: For many Malaysians, Hari Raya is a time for homecomings and family gatherings.

For firefighter Siti Zaharah Mohrim, it is often a rare luxury, sometimes coming only once every five years.

The 36-year-old Senior Fire Officer II at the Port Dickson Fire and Rescue Station said the station’s rotational shift system means not all officers are able to take leave during the festive season each year.

“I’m in Team C. In the department we work in teams – A, B and C – and Hari Raya (off days) rotate among the teams,” she told theSun.

The rotation system means a firefighter may only get the chance to celebrate at home after several years.

“For our team, the cycle could take up to four years. This year is my third year away from home, and next year I will likely miss it again.

“If everything goes according to plan, I might only get to celebrate Hari Raya again in the fifth year. It’s almost like Feb 29, it doesn’t come around very often.”

Siti Zaharah, who has served at Port Dickson for eight years, said the demanding nature of firefighting requires personnel to stay on standby even during major festivals.

She said this year, she will once again spend Hari Raya on duty, adding that while firefighters are granted time off between shifts, it is often limited.

“We work 12-hour shifts. During off hours, we might try to visit nearby relatives or friends, but it’s usually just around the local area.”

Originally from Felda Palong, Negeri Sembilan, about two hours from Port Dickson, she said travelling home is often not feasible due to traffic congestion and duty commitments.

Her husband, from Taiping, will spend the festive season with her in Port Dickson.

“My husband has Hari Raya leave, but since I have to work, he decided to stay here with me.

“He will take care of our four young children, including our baby. Because of the infant, travelling far isn’t easy. So this year, Hari Raya will be in Port Dickson.”

Despite the sacrifices, Siti Zaharah embraces her duty.

“Working in a uniformed service means making sacrifices, especially during festive seasons.

“But the rotation system ensures fairness, everyone goes through the same (situation). We all have families and we all celebrate Hari Raya, but we take turns.”

She credits her husband’s support for helping her manage the challenges.

“He knew I was a firefighter before we married, so he understands the nature of my job.

“Our priority when on duty is keeping the community safe, especially during busy festive seasons.”

Meanwhile, Muhammad Ikram Zulkaflee, a private sector employee, said celebrating Hari Raya often comes with the reality that work commitments cannot be fully set aside.

The 35-year-old data operations manager at a multi-national company said employees in MNCs typically receive shorter festive breaks, as business operations continue across multiple markets.

“Because I work in an MNC, the Hari Raya holiday period is usually not very long, as the company’s operations continue as usual,” he told theSun via WhatsApp.

He added that while Hari Raya is an important time for family, professional responsibilities and customer needs still take priority.

“Even though Hari Raya is meant for family gatherings, we still have work commitments and client requirements that need to be addressed first.”

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on either March 20 or March 21.

 The Sun Malaysia