Pengkalan chepa: A total of 360 personnel from the General Operations Force (GOF) Battalion 8 Pengkalan Chepa are on duty safeguarding border security throughout the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season to ensure the country's border areas remain safe from cross-border crimes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Southeast Brigade GOF deputy commander ACP Mohd Hazazi Othman stated that all the personnel are currently focusing on efforts to curb smuggling activities as well as other crimes in border areas. He explained that the assignment lasts for 34 days, beginning a day after the start of Ramadan, as part of enforcement operations at the nation's borders.

"Although the festive season is approaching, GOF personnel remain committed to carrying out their duties to ensure the country's safety and sovereignty continue to be preserved," he said after conducting a working visit to Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan and presenting festive cookies at the GOF Tactical Headquarters (Martek) Pengkalan Kubor today. Mohd Hazazi added that the visit aimed to provide moral support and boost the spirits of personnel who have to be away from their families while other Muslims celebrate Aidilfitri.

Meanwhile, Insp Afifah Yacob from GOF Battalion 8 shared her personal experience of being on duty during Hari Raya since joining the force in 2021. The mother of two, including a nine-month-old baby residing in Machang, expressed her commitment to duty, which requires her to always be ready to be deployed to border areas despite being based in Kota Bharu.

"Although there is a sense of sadness because I cannot be with my family during Hari Raya, I stay strong because this is a responsibility to the country," she said.