SOME senior civil servants spend their retirement slowing down, as after some 40-years of serving, it is time to bow down gracefully.
But in Malacca, an elderly group is doing the opposite.
As the northeast monsoon settles in and the country faces persistent rain, a few seniors with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) are preparing themselves to go back into the field.
These men are not fresh recruits as many are in their sixties while a few are grandfathers.
Yet, they are still turning up for water rescue drills, communication exercises and basic lifesaving practice, standing shoulder to shoulder with younger officers and refusing to be treated as a ceremonial presence.
Their commitment is not romantic or sentimental
It's practical and deliberate, a decision to remain useful at a time when communities may need every available pair of hands.
Assoc Col (PA) Mike Thein, who leads the Corporate Associate Officers Association of APM Melaka, said the dedication shown by the senior officers reflects a belief that public service does not expire with age.
“Even our officers in their sixties have completed water rescue drills, communication handling, basic lifesaving skills, engine maintenance and vessel navigation and they train alongside younger officers and are ready to be deployed when required,” he said.
The quiet determination of these officers has also drawn support from outside the force.
Konica Minolta Business Technology's managing director Naoto Uryu recently contributed RM10,000 towards the work of the corporate associate officers, a gesture that Thein said will strengthen competency programmes and help expand preparedness efforts in anticipation of the monsoon season.
Preparations on the ground have already begun.
Officers have started organising food aid and essential supplies for communities that may face disruption from flooding in Melaka or in other states if assistance is requested.
“With the monsoon expected to continue until March, we are preparing early and are also ready to assist other states if called upon,” Thein said.
He also acknowledged the role of APM Melaka director Lft.Kol (PA) Kamarulsyah Muslim, whose guidance he said has helped shape the unit’s operational readiness and ensure corporate associate officers remain an active support arm to the civil defence force. - November 28, 2025.
