ICA and Aetos officers 'shocked but proud' to get Stomped for helping injured woman at Woodlands Checkpoint
Assisting others and responding to the call of duty are part of their daily routines.
But the night of May 3 stands out more than any other time because they got Stomped for it.
Stomper Imran earlier commended officers from Aetos and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for ensuring his 20-year-old daughter's safety, after she injured her leg while on a shopping trip at Johor Bahru City Square mall in Malaysia and had to limp back to Singapore.
They are Aetos auxiliary police officers Graellos Michael Insik and Jayawardena Ravindu Shenal, ICA sergeants Nursharafina Binte Kamizan, Muhammad Asraf Bin Sirajudin, Muhammad Erfan Bin Rahim, and Ahmad Qushairee Bin Razali, and checkpoint inspector Azlan Bin Md Isa.
According to Imran, his daughter Nurafiza was "forced to continue limping in pain" after being turned away by immigration officers in Malaysia and a bus driver.
There was a "stark contrast" when Nurafiza reached Woodlands Checkpoint at around 10.50pm.
Upon being approached for help at the arrival bus concourse, Mr Insik immediately sprang into action, offering Nurafiza a chair to rest before notifying his ICA colleague, Mr Asraf, about the situation.
Mr Asraf recounted: "The injured lady wasn't able to speak because she was in pain. Her friend was furious because they had walked all the way from JB but nobody had helped. She said she needed a wheelchair so that they could go to the taxi stand."
After assessing Nurafiza's condition, Mr Asraf advised against taking a taxi, as it might worsen the injury, and activated an ambulance.
Among those activated to the scene was Mr Ahmad, who displayed the same empathy and preparedness like his peers.
He said: "Knowing that the subject was a woman, I felt she would be more comfortable with a female officer, so I got my colleague to attend to her first. We consoled her and helped to expedite the human traffic because there were lots of commuters getting up and down the buses."
ICA officers facilitated the immigration clearance for the pair, ensuring smooth entry for the ambulance into Woodlands Checkpoint while managing traffic.
The ambulance was able to stop right where Nurafiza was resting, sparing her from walking further. The officers also assisted in contacting her family to keep them informed of the situation.
ICA told Stomp: "The injured woman and her friend were able to depart Woodlands Checkpoint within 20 minutes.
"On top of safeguarding Singapore's borders, our ICA officers also provide assistance to travellers who may encounter difficulties while passing through our checkpoints."
The officers are no strangers to such encounters, they revealed in an interview with Stomp on May 14. However, this was the first time they gained media attention for their actions.
Sharing insight into his line of work, Mr Insik said: "Every day is a new day and a different situation. You have the buses arriving, people coming and going, fatigue and stress, and so many things happening because it's a crowded place. There are many cases like this and we always lend a helping hand.
"It's very rewarding when someone appreciates you. Even a smile and a simple thank you is enough."
For Mr Ahmad, getting to help people on their worst days is what makes his job meaningful.
He added: "I'm sure she was in great pain, and no one helped her until she entered Singapore. I feel that we really did well as a team."
Nurafiza was taken to Woodlands Health Campus and given 14 days of medical leave for a dislocated patella. It is a condition in which the kneecap slips out of its groove at the knee joint following a traumatic event such as a fall.
Imran praised the Aetos and ICA team: "Their dedication and kindness exemplify the very best of public service. Thank you once again for your continued commitment to the well-being and safety of all Singaporeans. We are sincerely grateful."
His note of gratitude resonated deeply with Stomp readers.
"I didn't expect to be Stomped, but I feel proud to be appreciated for what we do," said Mr Insik, who also acknowledged his colleagues for the "collective effort".
Helping people as a uniformed officer is Mr Asraf's passion.
He added: "At first, I was shocked. But I also feel proud because I can show my son in future that Papa is on Stomp."
