A police escort, a sick child, and a kindness this father won’t forget

Morning traffic in Penang was moving at a snail's pace on a recent day. Muhamad Fitrizuhaili Haris, a father of nine-year-old Muhamad Faaeq, faced an agonizing wait. His son had fallen unconscious at home and they hurried him to Penang Hospital for urgent medical attention. Near the junction of Jalan Yeap Chor Ee and Jalan Masjid Negeri, the family found themselves stuck in heavy morning traffic with no clear way through.

Fitrizuhaili spotted a police patrol vehicle and immediately asked for assistance. “I wasn't thinking about anything else. I just wanted my son to reach the hospital safely,” the 35-year-old explained to Bernama. Corporal R Sivaraj, 38, and Constable Jerico Jaitin, 27, from Timur Laut district police headquarters, were on duty when they encountered the distressed family.

They cleared a path and escorted the car all the way to the hospital. After arriving, Sivaraj fetched a wheelchair and assisted in bringing Faaeq to the emergency and trauma department, alerting medical staff to the boy's condition. The officers remained with the anxious family, offering words of encouragement as they awaited news.

Fitrizuhaili, who is grateful for the kindness, said the officers went above and beyond their duties, staying with them and providing emotional support. Faaeq is now receiving treatment for a viral infection and is in stable condition. The police later presented both officers with commendation letters. For Sivaraj, who has served 14 years, the decision to help was immediate.

“There was no time to think twice,” he said. “The roads were severely congested, so we tried to help the father and son reach the hospital as quickly as possible.” The family remembers the most heartfelt aspect - the deep sense of gratitude for the two officers who stepped in during their time of need.