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When a video of a Traffic Police (TP) officer helping an elderly woman to cross the street was released online, many netizens took to social media to share the moving act.
The incident, which occurred along Cantonment Road on November 21, was posted on SG Road Vigilante’s YouTube page and has since garnered more than 58,000 views.
Stomp contacted the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and discovered that the TP officer in the video is Sergeant Fathur Rahman Bin Rohani, 37, who has been serving in the SPF since 2009.
When Stomp spoke to Fathur via email, he shared that he was concerned when he first saw the old woman walking along the center divider with an unsteady gait.
When she noticed that there were many vehicles passing by her, she immediately decided to stop and help her.
“My main concern was her safety. I had to help her ensure that she crossed the road safely,” Fathur said.
“As soon as I got close to her, I suggested that she take my hand.
“At first, she was worried. But when she understood my intentions, she followed me closely as I directed traffic away from us.
“After we crossed the road safely, she thanked me and I gave her some road safety tips.
“I’m glad I was able to help her cross the street. The safety of all road users is always my priority.”
Fathur shared that this was not the first time he encountered older people who needed help while he was on duty.
“Once, while on patrol, I ran into an elderly guy who couldn’t meet the stoplight time because he was walking slowly,” Fathur said.
“I had just passed the center divider when the pedestrian light turned red. I immediately ordered the vehicles in sight to stop so the guy didn’t have to rush through the traffic light.
“I always feel very happy and fulfilled when I help someone.”
Fathur added that when his relatives acknowledged that it was him in the viral video, they praised him for his actions.
While such encounters gave Fathur a sense of accomplishment, he made sure to point out that there are also challenges that come with being a TP officer.
“Weather, road conditions and having to watch out for traffic violators while ensuring the safety of other road users are some of the challenges I face on a daily basis. The risks for all road users are real. “said Fathur.
“I advise all pedestrians, regardless of their age and health, to use the flybridge or controlled crosswalks for their own safety.
“For motorists on the road, stay focused while driving or driving. Don’t speed up and don’t use your communication devices while on the move.”
