Advising wives of security forces personnel to be strong and patient, Rosmah Mansor shared her experience of being without her husband, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, on Hari Raya.

"Personally, I too have experienced this when my husband who was then defence minister had work commitments on Hari Raya.

"My husband made the decision to celebrate Hari Raya in Bosnia Hezergovina during the 1990s and I was left with the children on Hari Raya.

"For the wives and children left behind on Hari Raya (by those serving), I and our members will pray that you find strength and patience to face this test," she said at a ceremony to hand over Hari Raya gifts to wives of security forces personnel in Kuala Lumpur.

The event was organised by Badan Amal dan Kebajikan Tenaga Isteri-Isteri (Bakti), of which the prime minister's wife is the patron.

Rosmah said peace and prosperity would not exist in the nation if not for the sacrifice of those who were willing to serve, even during the festive season.

"They are willing to work at the borders, deep in the jungle and ocean, forced to leave behind their loved ones to fulfill their responsibilities towards the nation," she added.

Therefore, she urged all Malaysians to appreciate these sacrifices and not make remarks which would hurt the feelings of these personnel.

"Do not let political, cultural and religious differences make us hurl insults and forget their sacrifices," she said.

Bakti spent more than RM500,000 to prepare 55,000 boxes of food and cookies to be distributed to security forces personnel on duty.

The dishes included beef rendang, ikan bilis sambal, kuah kacang and nasi impit.