From a frontline officer to a respected cikgu at sea, SSgt (Ret) Yunos Bin Salleh spent over 30 years training generations of officers in maritime policing – here’s his story of dedication and service.
By: Diyanah Nasuha Binte Omar Bahri
Staff Sergeant (SSgt) (Retired) Yunos Bin Salleh began his policing career in 1966 patrolling the streets from Seletar to Paya Lebar. These early years allowed him to forge bonds with the local community. In 1969, he was posted to the Marine Police – a move that would change the course of his life.
Learning the Ropes from Old-timers
As a newcomer to the unit, SSgt (Ret) Yunos underwent months of physical conditioning and training as a deckhand. Due to space constraints, lessons were conducted in the waters where the Benjamin Sheares Bridge would soon to be built. To develop his “sea legs,” he and other trainees stayed on board boats for extended hours, in order to adjust to the motion and unpredictability of the waters.
For SSgt (Ret) Yunos, the most important lessons came from the old-timers of the Force. He recalled: “At night at sea, it’s very quiet. Then suddenly a sound: ‘toot-toot-toot-toot.’ The old-timer would ask me, ‘What boat is that?’ ‘A boat lah,’ I said. ‘No, no, no, differentiate the boat. It’s a bumboat. Go and see.’ Correct, it’s a bumboat.”
He continued: “Another time, another sound ‘tii-tii-tii-tii’ – ‘What boat is that?’ ‘It’s a fishing boat. Go there and see.’ True enough, it’s a fishing boat. How can this old man know everything?”
From these experiences, SSgt (Ret) Yunos came to understand the importance of building up his seafaring knowledge. “There is nothing in the books to tell you these things. It’s just experience,” he reflected.
Becoming Cikgu: Training the Next Generation
After three years, SSgt (Ret) Yunos enrolled in the helmsman course, equipping himself with the skills to steer and helm vessels. His proficiency in charting was recognised by his trainers, and despite holding the rank of Constable, he was designated as Sergeant (Training).
In this role, SSgt (Ret) Yunos earned the nickname cikgu (Malay for teacher). His approach to training was demanding and grounded in responsibility. “When we trained senior officers, we required them to be at the Horsburgh Lighthouse and remain stationary for two hours to feel the life of a deckhand,” he explained. “If they’re not up to the mark, we just have to fail them, because, remember, if you’re a crew commander of big ships, you have 16 people’s lives under you. We don’t do ‘half-past-six’ training. We’re very serious about training.”
Legacy in Service
Even after his retirement in 1991, SSgt (Ret) Yunos signed on for another 10 years, making him one of the longest-serving Staff Sergeants (Training) in the Force. His extended service reflected both the specialised nature of his vocation and the trust placed in him by the Force.
In April 1993, the Marine Police was renamed the Police Coast Guard (PCG), underscoring its responsibility in securing Singapore’s coastline and sea-lanes. With larger patrol craft transferred from the Republic of Singapore Navy and newly trained officers to operate them, the PCG could patrol beyond Singapore’s port limits and take on wider maritime security roles.
SSgt (Ret) Yunos played a vital role in strengthening the training for PCG officers. With input from his Commanders, he helped redesign the training syllabus to include survival skills and night navigation exercises, ensuring that officers could handle round-the-clock operations. These changes were essential in preparing officers for the PCG’s expanded role in safeguarding Singapore’s maritime security.
Reflecting on his 35-year career, SSgt (Ret) Yunos emphasised that beyond skills and discipline, what truly defined a Police officer were the values that grounded his/her sense of mission. He urged officers to remain honest, committed, disciplined and fair, reminding them of their deeper purpose and duty: “You can help people, you help.”
Oral History Interview Series
Our officers have incredibly interesting careers, and for the past decade, our team has been meeting retired officers of all ranks to uncover their stories and learn from them. Through these sessions, we built a rapport and deeper respect for the men and women who overcame challenges to keep Singapore safe. We hope this series will inspire officers in their service and carry on the legacy of those who have gone before them. – Metta Yang, Head, Heritage and Social Responsibility Branch, Public Affairs Department
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