KOTA KINABALU, April 24 — Celebrating Ramadan and Syawal in the middle of the ocean may seem difficult for the general public, but for members of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), it is a noble sacrifice to protect the country from external threats.
Chief petty officer Khairul Ariffin Sakip, who has served for the RMN for 16 years, said breaking fast in the middle of the ocean had become second nature, and as members of the squad had become like family, it was not a lonely affair either.
“We have long been prepared to celebrate the month of Ramadan at sea, and it is likely that myself and the other crew will be on duty to safeguard the country’s waters in the month of Syawal during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
“It is not a problem to celebrate Ramadan and Syawal at sea, in fact, I consider this a challenge and a test for myself and my loved ones because this our responsibility to the nation and country,” he told Bernama.
He was met during the Borneo War Exercise 4/21 here recently which was also attended by the Eastern Fleet deputy commander, First Admiral Sazalee Shoib.
Khairul Ariffin, 40, said when breaking fast, he and 78 crew members of the ‘KD Selangor’ vessel enjoyed their meal from a common tray to strengthen the bond between them.
“Throughout my service in the RMN, this is not the first time I have been away from my wife and family, especially during Ramadan and Syawal.
“I feel a little sad at times, but the RMN is always creative in keeping up our spirits, especially by enlivening the Aidilfitri celebration in the middle of the sea,” he said in an emotional tone when asked about his family.
The writer and media personnel had a first-hand experience of breaking the fast at sea with the KD Selangor crew. Preparations began at exactly 5.30 pm by laying mats on the ship’s deck while other crew prepared food in the kitchen.
As the sun disappeared below the horizon, the call to prayer was made, and the writer and the other crew members broke the fast with Arabic-style rice cooked with chicken gravy.
Meanwhile, Sazalee said the 13-hour exercise was to test the preparedness and capability of RMN’s assets in carrying out maritime operations and safeguarding the country’s waters.
He said the exercise involved five navy ships, namely KD Selangor, KD Kedah, KD Sundang, KD Serang and KD Ganas as well as a Hawk 208 fighter jet belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
