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As the Bazaar Raya Geylang Serai lights up for Hari Raya, crowds gather for food, shopping and festive cheer. For Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) (NS) Muhammad Hazeeq Bin Zainal and Sergeant (Sgt) (NS) Fadzil Bin Mohamed Ghazali, it’s also a time to serve the community.
By day, ASP (NS) Hazeeq works as a software engineer at a multinational tech firm. But for the past seven years, he has also served as a Police National Service (PNS) officer with the Singapore Police Force (SPF). After completing his National Service in early 2018, he’s now in his eighth cycle of reservist duties.
ASP (NS) Hazeeq’s partner, Sgt (NS) Fadzil, first enlisted in the SPF in 2015. After completing his studies in Australia, he started his reservist duties in 2022. Now an educator at an international school, he’s in his second year of being involved in the Bazaar Raya Geylang Serai deployment.
A Deployment Close to His Heart
ASP (NS) Hazeeq remembers volunteering for the bazaar deployment in his fourth cycle in 2022, and has never regretted it. Some of his most memorable moments of the bazaar came from his early years as a Team Leader.
“Sometimes people come to us looking for a lost child or parent, and you can see the worry on their faces,” he recalls. “We stay calm and sweep the area in our search. Every time we reunite a family, that good feeling stays with us.”
This year, ASP (NS) Hazeeq has taken on greater responsibilities, overseeing planning for the Bazaar Raya Geylang Serai operations.
Teamwork in Action
A typical deployment day starts in the late afternoon. ASP (NS) Hazeeq and his team focus on deployment planning, noting key areas of crime prevention and looking after the PNS officers’ welfare. Meanwhile, PNS officers like Sgt (NS) Fadzil patrol the ground to ensure that all’s well.
Sgt (NS) Fadzil’s routine starts at Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre, where he meets his team, draws arms and heads to Wisma Geylang Serai before the crowds arrive. The teams conduct patrols of the area and stand down around midnight.
“Patrolling the bazaar is about preventing, deterring, and detecting crime,” ASP (NS) Hazeeq says. “As part of our duties, we also get to share crime prevention messages with people and connect with the community.”
For deployments to run smoothly, teamwork is essential. ASP (NS) Hazeeq recalled an incident when a child with special needs was reported missing at the bazaar. The officers split their efforts between ground searches and CCTV trawling, constantly exchanging information between the various teams. Eventually, the officers managed to locate the child and reunite him with his family.
Community Connections
Beyond ensuring safety and security, the PNS officers see their role as building bridges to the community. ASP (NS) Hazeeq says fostering rapport with stall owners helps create an environment where they feel comfortable approaching officers when needed.
“The bazaar can get very crowded,” ASP (NS) Hazeeq says. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to approach any of our officers. We’re always around and happy to assist.”
Sgt (NS) Fadzil adds, “Enjoy the food and drinks, but stay safe and vigilant at all times.”
Guardians of the Festive Spirit
While both officers find the festive deployment fulfilling, balancing work, family and PNS duties isn’t always easy. However, with the support of their families and fellow PNS officers, they make it work.
“Even though fasting while patrolling through a bazaar full of food test one's willpower, being able to serve the community during Ramadan feels especially meaningful,” says ASP (NS) Hazeeq. “I enjoy the chance to engage with families and stall owners while keeping the bazaar safe and secure.”
Behind the bright lights and festive crowds, ASP (NS) Hazeeq and Sgt (NS) Fadzil exemplify the quiet dedication of PNS officers, keeping watch to ensure the spirit of Hari Raya can be enjoyed by all.
To everyone visiting the Geylang Serai Bazaar during Ramadan, do enjoy the food and festivities, and remember to stay safe!
