Field work throws up a different kind of challenge for cop footballer

KUALA LUMPUR: Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) football player Muhammad Hariz Irffan, so used to battling for glory on the field, has a different kind of fight on his hands as he joins other men in blue as frontliners during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.

Instead of the physical battles he used to face as a footballer, the challenge he faces now is having to deal with the absurd behaviour of and excuses given by members of the public as he goes about his duty as a personnel of the Ampang Jaya Traffic Enforcement Investigation Division.

The 24-year-old is among 14 PDRM players who joined the division following a call by the government to help deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement issued by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) yesterday, he admitted that one of the challenges he faced while carrying out road blocks and conducting patrols was dealing with stubborn people who still preferred to go out for no reason despite the implementation of the MCO since March 18.

“At road blocks, we get all kinds of excuses and some don't even make any sense, but we have to be firm in carrying out our duties for the safety of everyone.

“Nowadays, I don't even get enough rest. Sometimes when I get home, I just have enough time to eat, bathe and go straight to sleep before resuming my duty the next day. Our working hours are also irregular, sometimes we work for 24 hours and at other times 12 hours,” said Muhammad Hariz, who plays as a defender with PDRM.

His teammate and skipper Mohd Safiee Ahmad said although their work puts them at risk of being infected by the virus, it was a sacrifice they had to make.

“We are more susceptible to danger but we have to carry out our duties. We hope we can get back to playing football as we all miss the game,” he said.

He hopes that he and his teammates will be in good health when the Malaysia League restarts so that they can help their team achieve success in the Super League.

The Cops are propping up the 12-team standings with just one point after three defeats and a draw from their opening four matches. - Bernama