Pioneer ex-VAT 69 commando keeps beaches clean

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Che Yak @ Embong Ngah, 77, one of the first VAT 69 commandos, now fights a different scourge — litterbugs — walking more than 10 kilometres along Terengganu's beaches, collecting rubbish as part of his daily exercise.
Residing in Kampung Rhu Muda, Che Yak begins his three- to four-hour routine as early as 7am.
Utusan Malaysia reported that one of the 30 members of the first nucleus troop of VAT 69, Che Yak said he finds great satisfaction in walking long distances, which has become a routine deeply ingrained in him.
"Almost every day I walk from my house to Pantai Rhu Muda and continue along the beach, sometimes as far as Pantai Kelulut and Pantai Kekabu.
"Since suffering from knee joint problems about five years ago, the distance I cover is no longer as far as before, now around 10 kilometres.
"Almost every day I walk from my house to Pantai Rhu Muda and continue along the beach. Since suffering from knee joint problems about five years ago, the distance I cover is now around 10 kilometres. While exercising, I pick up rubbish such as containers and plastic bottles because I enjoy seeing the beach clean," he said.
He added that some people have mistaken him for "not right in the head" when they see him in shabby clothes, dragging a stick or carrying a sack of rubbish.
"I don't take it to heart and just carry on with my usual exercise," he said.
Living with his wife, Siti Rohana Nordin, 57, Che Yak also enjoys gardening and growing flowers as a hobby, as well as caring for several cats at home. Sharing memories from his time in service, Che Yak said his experience battling communist insurgents in Sarawak between 1970 and 1971 remains unforgettable.
He recalled how the fort where he and his comrades were stationed came under ambush late at night, sparking a firefight that lasted until early morning, from which they survived.
"I began as a member of the police force in June 1969 in Hulu Kinta, Perak, and in October of the same year, I was selected for VAT 69 commando training and underwent basic commando training.
"We were trained by a team of instructors from the United Kingdom's Special Air Service Regiment (SAS), and out of all those who joined the training, only 30 of us, including myself, made it to the end, becoming the first nucleus troop of VAT 69.
"I retired from the police on Feb 1 2004, at the Terengganu police contingent headquarters.
"Now, we are all old, and some of my comrades have passed away," he said.
Among the awards he has received are the Pingat Pangkuan Negara, the Pingat Bentara Pasukan Polis, and the Pingat Jasa Pingat Darjah Bentara Pasukan Pahlawan Negara.