GEORGE TOWN, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The morning rush-hour traffic in Penang was moving at a crawl last Thursday. But for Muhamad Fitrizuhaili Md Haris, every minute felt like an eternity.
His nine-year-old son, Muhamad Faaeq, was on high fever, weak and barely responsive, and he was racing from Teluk Kumbar towards Penang Hospital (HPP), desperately trying to beat the traffic.
Then, near the Udini underpass along Jalan Masjid Negeri, help appeared in the form of a Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV).
Muhamad Fitrizuhaili, 35, immediately sought the officers’ assistance.
What followed was a race against time, with two police officers clearing the way through the morning traffic congestion and escorting the father and son all the way to HPP.
“When I saw the MPV, I immediately asked for help. The traffic was bumper to bumper because it was the morning rush hour. At that point, I wasn't thinking about anything else; I just wanted my son to reach the hospital safely,” he told Bernama today.
But the assistance did not end at the hospital entrance.
Corporal R. Sivaraj, 38, and Constable Jerico Jaitin, 27, followed the father and son into the Emergency Department, fetched a wheelchair and helped bring Muhamad Faaeq inside for treatment.
For a worried father, it was more than simply a police escort.
“I want to thank both MPV officers. Their help meant so much because my son was able to reach the hospital quickly.
“They not only did their duty as police officers, but stayed with us and helped in whatever way they could. They even gave me words of encouragement when I was anxious and unsure of what to do.
“As a father, I will never forget their kindness and concern,” said Muhamad Fitrizuhaili, who works with the Penang Island City Council.
He said Muhamad Faaeq is still receiving treatment for a viral infection and is in stable condition.
According to Sivaraj, he and Jerico were on routine patrol when they encountered the distressed father.
“There was no time to think twice. The roads were severely congested, so we tried to help the father and son reach the hospital as quickly as possible,” said Sivaraj, who has served in the police force for 14 years.
Penang Police chief Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng presented both officers with letters of commendation, describing their response as an example of the kind of service police officers should provide to the community.
Lim said the incident also highlighted an important aspect of policing: that the role of the force goes beyond enforcing the law.
“They did a good job, and we appreciate their efforts. Their swift response demonstrates that the police role is not only about law enforcement, but also about helping the community when immediate assistance is needed,” he said.
-- BERNAMA