LETTERS: The Civil Defence Day was celebrated across the globe, yesterday. I personally would like to call upon all Malaysians to credit the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, who like all of the other frontliners, have answered the call of duty in the nation's battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.
They serve tirelessly at locations such as traffic roadblocks under the scorching heat, they help in disaster management, and are heavily involved in programmes to educate the community on ways to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
They do all these and so much more alongside their other uniformed counterparts and frontliners without any complaints or grouses at all.
I humbly urge the public to offer them moral support. It can be a word of thanks to the officer on duty or simply paying it forward should you get the chance.
Please appreciate their sacrifices and don't take them for granted. I encountered an incident recently which tugged at my heartstrings. A young Civil Defence corporal was in line behind me to get his food.
I informed the restaurant cashier that I would like to pay for his meal. Upon hearing this, he immediately intervened and stopped me. I informed him that I was sincere and insisted.
He thanked me and casually informed me of his duties at a nearby Covid-19 quarantine centre.
During the course of our conversation, I made it known to him that I too belong to the Civil Defence Force, but as an associate officer in which he immediately stood at attention and saluted me despite the fact I was not in uniform.
His dutiful actions showed not only his sincerity, dedication, and commitment, but his true love for the Force and Malaysia.
I never got his name, but I would like him to know that he and all our frontliners are truly Malaysia's finest.
Yeap Ming Liong
Associate Captain (Malaysian Civil Defence Force)
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times