The photographer who looks beyond the uniform

Sim Wei Lim, known as Bilis, is a photographer who goes beyond the uniform to capture the human side of Malaysia's security personnel. While often surrounded by military hardware, he focuses on the moments between action, such as helmets coming off or tired smiles shared after assignments. Sim, 38, has been photographing Malaysia's security forces for years, starting from his school days when he joined a photography club.

His work has taken him to various units, including VAT 69, Grup Gerak Khas, Paskal, and Paskau. Through his lens, Sim reveals the humanity behind the discipline, danger, and duty associated with security roles. He emphasizes the importance of preserving these moments, as they may never occur again. Trust is crucial when photographing elite units, as images must be carefully reviewed to avoid revealing sensitive information.

Sim's photographs offer a glimpse into the personalities, relationships, and camaraderie of security personnel, which often go unnoticed in official ceremonies and headlines. By focusing on the individuals behind the uniforms, Sim hopes to contribute to future generations' understanding of Malaysian history through the faces of those who lived it.