Although the discovery send shivers down his spine, Kuan later realized that their operation in the water villages was more challenging as they were exposed to life-threatening situations.
The 35-year-old and another four members of the Marine Combat unit were sent to the conflict zone as part of Ops Daulat after Sulu intruders were spotted in the water villages.
While the VAT 69 police commandos and soldiers took charge on land, the Marine police were in charge of coastal areas.
"We were repeatedly reminded that the intruders could be hiding anywhere including in the water.
"After our security personnel were killed, safety measures were increased and we were always on standby," said Kuan from Sarawak.
While monitoring the integrated mopping up operation in the water village from a Marine police boat, Kuan said he had witnessed a Sulu militant attempting to hack a security personnel using a barong (a type of machete).
"Luckily, other security personnel nearby managed to gun down the suspect. Our comrade who was attacked was unhurt although his bullet-proof vest was ripped apart by the sharp machete," said Kuan while his wife, Annie Kiroh, 33, looked on.
Throughout the operation, he said the policemen and army commandos displayed strong and undying devotion to protect one another.
The father of three said he and his team members had to keep a close watch on the water villages at Kampung Simunul as the Sulu militants had used the wooden houses as their hideout.
"The intruders will jump into the water to hide. Failing to spot and drag them out of the water could prove deadly as those cold-hearted men can charge towards us with their barong," said Kuan who had helped catch some of the militants in the water.
Kuan was among the 18 Marine policemen who were given a hero's welcome at the Padang Lalang Region 3 Marine police jetty here upon his return from Sabah yesterday.
They were received by Region 3 Marine Police commander Assistant Commissioner Azmi Ibrahim.
Corporal Irdysham Mat Hussin, 29, said he was forced to hide the truth from his wife, Rusmiati Mior Sadon, 29, as he was afraid that she would have had sleepless nights.
"I informed her that I would only be on duty at the base camp. She would have been very worried if I had told her that I would be in the conflict zone."
Before leaving, Irdysham said he sent his wife and two children to her mother's place in Ipoh.
I called her every single day to assure her that I was in good health," said Irdysham while admitting that he was nervous to join the first major operation in his life.
In Penang, a hero's welcome awaited 20 marine police personnel who returned home after serving over 40 days taking part in Ops Daulat.
The elated security forces were in high spirits upon berthing at the jetty in the Batu Uban marine police base about 1pm.
They were seen embracing and sharing quiet moments with their family members, including wives and children.
Northern region marine police deputy chief Superintendent R. Mogan said the personnel were based in Penang prior to a face-off against the Sulu terrorists since late February.
"Those who came back from duty had served in the red zone during the intrusion.
"They risked their lives to protect Malaysia's sovereignty and I am honored to have them back with us," Mogan said.
He said the 20 personnel who arrived were only the first batch as more men would return to the base over the next few days.
In Senai, Johor, 21 members of the Southern Region Marine Division 2 team (Cawangan Marin Wilayah Selatan 2) returned home on Monday and will be resuming their duties here.
Johor police chief Datuk Mokhtar Shariff thanked the servicemen for their service and their sincerity in serving the country.
"We will continue to pray that victory will be ours and support those who are continuing the fight to protect the country's sovereignty," he said after welcoming the servicemen at the Sultan International Airport here on Monday.
- New Straits Times
http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/ops-in-water-villages-more-challenging-1.247071