The photographer who looks beyond the uniform

Sim Wei Lim, a 38-year-old photographer known as Bilis, often finds himself surrounded by military paraphernalia as he focuses his lens on security personnel. However, he is not merely interested in their uniforms and equipment; rather, he seeks to capture the human elements that lie beyond the discipline and duty often associated with their roles.

"Many see them as superheroes, but I want Malaysians to see them as ordinary people - someone's son, a husband, a father who continues to shoulder the responsibility of defending the country," he shared with Bernama.

His passion for photography began during his school days when he joined a photography club, and later, he honed his skills by photographing Dataran Merdeka. Over the years, Sim has documented various branches of Malaysia's security forces, including VAT 69, Grup Gerak Khas, Paskal, and Paskau. These images, which often reveal the camaraderie, fatigue, and quiet support between colleagues, aim to portray the individuals behind the professional image.

Sim's photographs do not always make an immediate impact; sometimes, they remain unnoticed for years. However, he believes that a photo taken today may become a record of a struggle that cannot be repeated in the future. His work has taken him to all corners of Malaysia, documenting the lives of security personnel and their unique experiences. For Sim, the true value of a photograph is often revealed long after it has been captured.