The Bukit Jenalik operation Zol’aini will never forget

Sgt Maj Zol'aini Sabar, now 68, vividly recalls his deployment to Bukit Jenalik during Operation Subuh in 2000. He was among 20 personnel sent to apprehend the Al-Maunah militant group, who had stolen firearms and ammunition from a territorial army camp in Gerik and fled to the area. The dense, rubber plantation-covered terrain and the presence of former security force members made the mission particularly dangerous.

Among the group was Zahit Muslim, a skilled colleague of Zol'aini's in the 69 Commando, making the operation even more tense. The teams were instructed to capture all 27 members alive, avoiding bloodshed at all costs. Unfortunately, Detective Corporal R Sanghadevan and commando trooper Mathew Medan were killed during the operation.

This experience taught Zol'aini the importance of restraint and prioritizing human life, even in difficult situations. He believes these lessons still apply beyond the battlefield, urging people to appreciate the peace they have and to recognize the responsibility of keeping it safe. The memories of Bukit Jenalik also highlight how quickly a situation can deteriorate when trust and social cohesion weaken.

However, Zol'aini prefers to focus on the lessons learned, emphasizing the significance of caution, restraint, and unity in protecting the country.