Not many of us know what highway patrol officers really do until a holiday jam hits
Their mission is simple: make sure everyone gets to their destination safely
Not many of us ever stop to think about the people who keep our highways moving until we’re stuck in a bumper-to-bumper crawl on the way to a long weekend getaway.
For most Malaysians, festive breaks mean balik kampung, quick staycations or road trips with friends. But for Zul Khairi Abd Majid, a traffic officer from AFA PRIME Berhad at the Genting Sempah KLK Section, it's go-time.
"We see this job as a service to the nation. On holidays like Malaysia Day, traffic can double or triple. Our mission is simple: make sure everyone gets to their destination safely," he told Sinar Daily.
As a patrol officer and supervisor, Zul’s work goes far beyond cruising up and down the highway.
He drafts monthly and daily rosters for his team, coordinates roadworks with subcontractors and manages lane closures so patrols can happen without chaos.
His squad is the first on scene when a tyre bursts, a car overheats or debris litters the road.
They change tyres, jump-start dead batteries, sweep away fallen cargo and even report busted streetlights so electricians can fix them as soon as possible.
"Sometimes people assume we just hang around waiting for accidents. In reality, we’re constantly moving, clearing obstacles, checking road conditions and helping anyone in trouble," he added.
If you’ve ever wondered why jams feel extra bad during holidays, Zul has the answer.
“On regular days, most users are daily commuters or truck drivers who know the road. During festive breaks, you get people who only use the highway once in a while.
"They tend to drive really slow, which can block lanes. Then you’ve got the impatient ones cutting in, using the emergency lane and suddenly swerving back. That’s how congestion builds up," he said.
Zul’s advice is to keep to your lane, go with the flow and remember that a little patience makes everyone’s journey smoother.
Keeping the roads safe isn’t a solo gig. Zul’s team works closely with their allied partners which is the police, firefighters and ambulance crews.
“Each agency has a role. Police handle traffic, firefighters rescue people trapped in vehicles and ambulances rush victims to hospitals. When the accident is serious, all three come together and it makes a huge difference," he said.
Zul is clear about one thing: most accidents start with driver errors. Speeding, aggressive overtaking or failing to maintain your car, especially tyres, are common culprits.
"Rain is another big one. People slow down when it pours but speed up the moment it stops, forgetting the road is still slippery. It’s not just highways; it’s everywhere," he said.
Before any long journey, he urges motorists to service their cars, especially tyres and engines.
"And don’t lose your cool in a jam. Some drivers get so frustrated that once they’re free, they floor it and crash," he said.
Zul’s family knows the score: patrol duty doesn’t stop for Malaysia Day or any other holiday. While most people are planning barbecues or long weekend trips, he’s often suiting up for another shift on the highway.
“It’s part of the responsibility. We miss gatherings sometimes, birthdays, weddings, even just sitting down for dinner but we’re proud to keep everyone safe," he said.
As Malaysians gear up for another Malaysia Day road trip, Zul urged everyone to drive carefully and safely.
“Drive carefully, cherish your loved ones and spend the holidays making memories. But to do that, you’ve got to arrive safely first," he said.
So, next time you breeze through a clear stretch of highway on a holiday weekend, remember there are individuals like Zul Khairi and his team quietly working behind the scenes so your journey stays smooth.. __
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