An officer of the Civil Defence Force (APM), Captain Shahrul Kamar Mohd Johari, 50, remembers clearly an incident in 2003 when a major rockslide occurred along the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) near the Bukit Lanjan interchange.

It was on the second day of Aidifitri in 2003, while Shahrul Kumar was on holiday with his family, when he received a call to return to work.

"The incident occurred 16 years ago while my family and I were on our way to visit relatives in Klang, Selangor, to celebrate Hari Raya. Upon receiving the call (from the operations centre), I immediately informed my family that I had to be at the scene," he told Bernama.

For Shahrul Kamar, who has three children, not being able to celebrate Aidilfitri with family members because of work is normal for the APM volunteer, as he has to be ready and prepared at all times when a call comes.

In his 35th year of service with APM, the captain said members of the force have to be spiritually strong as they often leave their family, including during festive seasons.

Sharul Kamar was also working during this Aidilfitri holiday.

"In APM, there is no definition of going on leave because we are volunteers with the skills to help the public, especially in search and rescue operations," he said.

APM members were not the only ones who will be working during festivals, as there are others, such as security personnel, hospital staff, as well as expressway concessionaires workers and members of the media.

While Muslims throughout the country were having a merry time celebrating Adilfitri with family members, relatives and friends, various people in these groups were working, either at their respective offices or at dangerous locations helping those in need.

Likewise, Rohaida Ahmat, 37, is a RTM Radio News Section journalist who has been working during Aidilfitri on alternate years since 2012.

“Last year, I was able to take leave to celebrate the occasion. So, this year, it is my turn to work. Although I'm working, it can still be an enjoyable festive season because I celebrate it with my colleagues. They are also my family,” she added.

Although Rohaid was not to be able to join her family this Aidilfitri, she said someone has to work to ensure news can be disseminated at all times and in whatever circumstances.

Meanwhile, V Roohisheene, 28, a customer service officer at a telecommunications company, said she volunteered to work on Aidilfitri to allow her Muslim friends to celebrate the occasion with their family members.

"And on Deepavali, they will work and I get to take leave to celebrate the festival," she added.

- Bernama