Melor: More than four decades on, the memories of retired Corporal Wan Mansor Wan Mahmood's time guarding the national border remain vivid, from chasing smugglers and standing guard around the clock to confronting armed threats. Each experience was part of the sacrifices the 74-year-old made to safeguard the nation's security and sovereignty.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, known as Corporal Wan, he began his border duty at 27 in 1979 and served for 20 years, including a decade stationed at various 'hotspots' such as Rantau Panjang, Pengkalan Kubor, Bukit Lata, Alor Pasir, Beris Lalang, and Kusial. 'Conditions at the guard posts back then were vastly different from today. Some were merely makeshift sheds, canopies or wooden structures, but the lack of facilities was never an excuse to neglect our duty,' Corporal Wan shared, reflecting on the demanding nature of his service.

'There were times when we went without sleep. We would rotate shifts every four hours, and whenever there was any movement, we had to remain alert. We had to make decisions on the spot based on the situation and public safety,' he told Bernama when met at his home in Kampung Sri Kulim, Melor, recently, in conjunction with the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations. One of the most frequent tasks during his service was combating rice smuggling from Thailand, including pursuing suspects who attempted to flee after checks found that they lacked valid documentation.

Recalling one operation, Corporal Wan said a lorry carrying about three tonnes of rice was detected, but the driver and his assistant fled, forcing the team to act swiftly to secure the area and prevent the contraband from being removed. 'Guarding the border involved more than just chasing smugglers. Our team also faced more dangerous situations, including aggressive smuggling groups who brandished pistols to intimidate us into staying out of their activities. We had to remain cautious and not let emotions dictate our actions,' he said, stressing that every move had to be made calmly given the risks to both personnel and the public.

Apart from rice, smuggling activities at the time also involved clothing, fireworks, particularly ahead of festive seasons, and kitchen supplies, requiring personnel to traverse forests and rivers to trace routes used by smugglers. He said flood conditions never hindered control and patrol duties, as smugglers often took advantage of such challenging circumstances to carry out their illicit activities.

The sound of explosions from across the Golok River was also a familiar experience for him. Nevertheless, each blast would trigger a surge of adrenaline, as it could signal an unexpected threat along the border. Throughout his service, Corporal Wan also served as a security escort during visits by military commanders, national leaders, and ambassadors to the border region, before later being assigned to store and supply duties in Pengkalan Chepa.

'Even though I have left military life, what I miss most is not just the atmosphere of duty at the border, but the camaraderie shared with fellow soldiers through thick and thin, including simple meals of instant noodles, dried fish, and eggs at the guard post. Among those I still remember are the late Zainuddin Deraman, the late Abdullah Awang, and the late Sergeant Ismail Isa, as well as Private Shaari Awang...comrades with whom I shared the realities of life as a border soldier,' he said.

For Corporal Wan, patriotism extends beyond the duties performed while in uniform; it remains a way of life, as reflected in his annual tradition of flying the Jalur Gemilang in front of his home.