KUALA LUMPUR: Even though more than a decade has passed, the bloody encounter with Sulu terrorists in March 2013 has never faded from the memory of DSP Mohamad Hasnal Jamil.
The scars on his body sustained in the dark tragedy serve as his strength to continue serving the nation.
He is the police officer who was injured by gunfires and attacked by Sulu terrorists during Operation Daulat in Kampung Simunul, Semporna, Sabah in March 2013.
Today, Mohamad Hasnal, 42, became the sole recipient of the Pingat Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB), bestowed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah during the investiture ceremony of federal awards, medals and honours at Balairung Seri, Istana Negara.
Overwhelmed by this recognition, Mohamad Hasnal, currently serving in the Special Branch at Bukit Aman, dedicates the award to all his comrades involved in the operation, including those who sacrificed their lives.
“Tuanku (Al-Sultan Abdullah) also expressed gratitude for my services, contributions and sacrifices, as well as those of my comrades who fought to defend the sovereignty of the nation.
“To me, my contribution may not be significant and many others have fought and sacrificed for the country. Still, this recognition serves as a memory for my small contribution to the nation,” he said after the ceremony yesterday.
Holding back tears, Mohamad Hasnal’s eyes welled up as he recounted the incident that nearly took his life, with three shots hitting his abdomen, piercing through to the back of his body and his left arm.
In addition to being shot, Mohamad Hasnal was also attacked on the head and hand with an axe by the enemy.
“Until now, I am still undergoing follow-up treatment to repair the nerves in the injured part of my hand, but this has not caused any trauma or diminished my spirit to continue serving or performing my duties.”
“I consider this as the twists and turns of a police officer’s job. If we don’t face challenges like this, we can’t be called police officers,” said the Kedah-born.
The police officer also conveyed a message to all members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to always be prepared and fulfil their duties with sincerity and trust.
“Never betray this trust. If the call for struggle for the country comes, respond and fight,” he said.
In February 2013, Malaysia was shocked by the armed intrusion of Sulu militants encroaching the country’s waters in stages at Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu. This led to a battle on March 1 in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, and Kampung Simunul, Semporna, which also resulted in the death of 68 Sulu militants.
The conflict was declared over on April 10, 2013.
Six police officers who lost their lives in the bloody incident in Kampung Simunul on March 2, 2013, were ACP Ibrahim Lebar, DSP Michael Padel, Sergeant Major Baharin Hamit, Sergeant Major Abdul Aziz Sarikon, Sergeant Salam Togiran and Corporal Mohd Azrul Tukiran. – BERNAMA
