LUMUT: Royal Malaysian Navy officer Lieutenant Muhammad Suhaimi Abd Malek, 28, is looking forward to see his 7-month old first child donning Raya clothes when he returns from a routine patrol along the Straits of Malacca.
"I don't get to be with my daughter on her first raya tomorrow, so I will see her as soon as I get back next week.
"All the preparations including baju kurung were made prior to the trip. I am also thankful to my wife who ensures that things are in order at home.
"I have also asked my mother to cook rendang for me before the trip so that I won't be homesick when I am away. My family understands my job as this is my responsibility (to the nation).
"We are lucky as we can still communicate as some areas are accessible even though we are away at sea," said the Melaka-born who is currently serving as the electronic warfare officer on board corvette KD Laksamana Tan Pusmah.
Meanwhile, mine counter ship KD Jerai's marine engineer head Warrant Officer 2 Abu Seman Ahmad, 36, said he would spend raya with colleagues which he considered as family.
"These are the people who look after our wellbeing while we are away from home. They are my family here.
"We brought kuih raya with us while the chef cooks good raya dishes for us. Even though we are not able to spend raya with our loved ones, communication technology has made it possible to keep in touch with them," said the father of two from Sungai Petani, Kedah during an interview.
The duo will participate in the celebration on board the ships including Aidilfitri prayer and enjoy buffet consists of traditional dishes.
Meanwhile, nurse Nor Aishah Mahat, 33, Melaka, who is working at the Armed Forces hospital here, said she would return to her hometown on Monday.
"It is definitely tough for us to be away from family for the first time (during raya) as I experienced few years ago when I was working at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM).
"I would be lying if I say that we don't feel sad for not being able to spend raya with our family, but things get better as years passed.
"Furthermore, I am not alone as I have my husband and children here." she said.