NOT ALL HEROES WEAR CAPES

It’s an understatement to say the COVID-19 pandemic has been very challenging. While we whine about the most trivial matters, the frontliners are working tirelessly so that we can get our normal life back. As we continue in the battle against the virus, we talk with four individuals working above and beyond their call of order about life in the vanguard of the fight.

- Nawaf Rahman

AZHARI B. ABU BAKAR, POLICE SERGEANT

What were the challenges you faced at the beginning of the MCO?

Since the outbreak escalated very quickly, things progressed so fast that there was no scope to conduct orientation, drill, simulation, training or whatever. We had to quickly learn, consult, and adapt with our counterparts in medicine and other services. Leaves were cancelled. The messages and instructions trickled down from the hierarchy to each police station, and everyone just followed it.

Another thing was the fact that our enemy was invincible made things more difficult. Our duty was increased; our roles was required everywhere, and our responses and enforcement procedures kept changing according to the status of the pandemic. Of course, there were also long shifts and worrying about bringing the virus home and exposing our family to it.

The virus aside, what have you found to be the single toughest nut to crack in this crisis?

To educate the public to follow the SOPs. We have to ensure that social distancing is maintained, but we also have to ensure that people are not deprived of their essential needs.

Is there anything good that you’ve noticed coming out of the situation?

The public has become more disciplined and aware of their hygiene. I can see many Malaysians are becoming more responsible by keeping a safe distance in queue as they do their part in breaking the chain of infections. We were also grateful that when people started to understand the purpose of the MCO, compliance became better.

What keepse you going in tough times such as this?