MMEA cook unsung hero of the ocean

KUALA LUMPUR - Not many may know the significance of the role played by Samsuri Halib, a junior maritime officer with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

He bears the crucial responsibility of preparing meals for the MMEA crew when they are on duty in the middle of the ocean, thousands of kilometres away from home and braving storms and huge waves to safeguard the nation’s waters.

Samsuri has to ensure that every meal he prepares not only provides sufficient energy for the crew to perform their duties optimally but also tastes like home-cooked food.

"A cook is one of the most sought-after persons on a ship. When hunger strikes, everyone heads to the kitchen. We may be far from our families, but food is what brings us together. At the very least, when we enjoy a meal, our hearts feel closer to them.

"Among the crew's favourite dishes are nasi dagang, kampung-style dishes with fresh herbs that evoke memories of eating with their families, and barbecue-grilled lamb," he said in a statement to Bernama.

Sharing his experiences as a cook, Samsuri, who joined MMEA in 2005 and had served in the operations, weaponry and logistics divisions before taking over the duties in the kitchen, admitted that he initially worried about how the crew would receive his cooking. - Bernama photo

Sharing his experiences as a cook, Samsuri, who joined MMEA in 2005 and had served in the operations, weaponry and logistics divisions before taking over the duties in the kitchen, admitted that he initially worried about how the crew would receive his cooking.

This was because he had no formal experience in the culinary field. However, instead of feeling discouraged, the challenge fuelled his determination to learn to cook and provide the best meals for the crew.

Knowing that it would not be easy for him to look up recipes online when aboard the ship as there is no Internet access in the middle of the ocean, he took the smart approach by collecting recipes in advance before setting sail, and fellow crew members also shared their own recipes.

Asked about the experience of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri at sea, Samsuri said while most Malaysians are enjoying ketupat and rendang with their families, the crew can only gaze at the vast ocean, carrying a longing that is difficult to express in words.

"It is a truly heavy sacrifice... however, I am determined to bring a little bit of the kampung atmosphere to the ship. With whatever ingredients available here, I will be preparing traditional dishes such as beef rendang, peanut sauce, kuih-muih and other local delicacies to soothe our longing," he said. - BERNAMA