Highway Workers The Unsung Heroes Of Aidilfitri

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Aidilfitri this year was especially meaningful to Muslims following two years of strict Covid-19 rules.
However, there are those who will still not be able to reunite with their families because their job was to ensure others could.
These people work in the highway industry, and their duty is to make travel safer and smoother. Malaysiakini spoke to some of them.
Toll booth attendants
Suriani Azzierah, 32, and Hanili Hanis, 33, are both Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings Bhd (Litrak) staff for more than a decade, serving the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP).
Both said they were told that they could not be with family to celebrate Hari Raya, but they must stay determined to fulfil their responsibilities to their employer and fulfil other financial obligations.
"In order to seek rezeki (income), we have to be strong whether we like it or not. I have to deal with sadness because I am a source of income for my family," said Suriani, who spent six Aidilfitri away from home.
Litrak staff Suriani AzzierahFor years, Suriani and Hanili worked in toll booths while watching others leave the city to celebrate Aidilfitri elsewhere.
However, they could turn to their colleagues and some Hari Raya snacks in the office for a bit of comfort.
"That sense of sadness and distance from our family will be slightly less when we are with our friends. Sometimes we cater food or bring our own food - lemang, rendang and various types of kuih.
"On the first day of Hari Raya, I will be in my festive attire and call my parents first thing in the morning to seek their forgiveness. They understand their children have duties," she said.
Litrak staff Hanili HanisOver the years, both Suraini and Hanili said they had encountered many customers who tried to lift their spirits.
"Sometimes, regardless of ethnicity, they would wish me 'Selamat Hari Raya'. (They know) the toll booth has become our second home. If they ask me if I will be going home for Hari Raya, I'll explain that I have to work.
"Some have even given me duit raya. It was a happy feeling receiving duit raya from strangers. It feels like I'm celebrating with them," said Hanili.
Patrollers
Kahar Aman, 51, and Anuar Ismail, 54, are highway patrol personnel. Their responsibility is to monitor highways to ensure the safety of users.
As part of the staff working on highway patrol duties, they are able to take leave on alternate years because of a rotational system.
Kahar and Anuar are looking forward to spending Aidilfitri at home next year.
"I told my family that next year, God willing, we can be together. They should not worry," said Anuar.
"Both of us chose to work this Aidilfitri because a lot of junior staff have not returned home for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We want them to have the opportunity to be with their family. We are old-timers... They who are new in this job need it more," said Kahar.
Highway patrol personnel Kahar AmanKahar and Anuar work 16-hour shifts during the festive season. Their only opportunity to call home to fulfil their obligations was the night before Aidilfitri, as once they were on duty, their schedule was packed.
"The night before Raya, we will seek forgiveness and wish each other 'Selamat Hari Raya' through telephone. It's like our greetings during the morning of Hari Raya, but we do it earlier and at a distance.
"It is always an emotional experience. Male tears may be shed," said Anuar.
Highway patrol personnel Anuar IsmailTow truck operator
Redzuan Rasid, 32, has been operating a tow truck for eight years.
He said it was difficult having to work during the first week of Aidilfitri, but he had a sense of duty.
"When a customer calls on the first day of Hari Raya, we know they are really hoping that we will help. They feel desperate and may be trapped by the side of the road for hours. Their Hari Raya mood would be affected.
"Not many are willing to operate on Hari Raya. It is only once a year. Our hearts tell us to stay at home with family. But when we think of the needs of the customer, we will act.
"If no one helps (those who are stranded), there will be danger. An accident could occur," he added.
Tow truck operator Redzuan RasidRedzuan describes himself as a "superhero" because, throughout his career, he has helped tow cars across the entire breadth of Peninsular Malaysia.
"Our customers pay a lot for their cars. Certainly, they want their cars to be brought home or fixed at a certified workshop. They can't leave their cars by the roadside.
"But if the customer's village is in Kelantan but he resides in Selangor, can you imagine (the difficulty)?" he asked.
Despite his commitment to his work, the takbir raya coming from the mosques would often make him emotional.
"Once, I was towing a car in Johor. Upon hearing the takbir raya, it made me think of my family - my parents and siblings - it made me want to be at home.
"However, we have duties to fulfil first," said Redzuan. - Mkini

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