Safeguarding Singapore’s territorial waters, and more – SSSgt Zamakhsyarii explains what it takes to investigate offences at sea and how to climb up a Jacob’s ladder to board a seven-storey-high container vessel.
By: Amanda Wong
On the day Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) Muhammad Zamakhsyarii turned eight, his mother gave him a Police costume set as a birthday present. He proudly wore the costume around his family and friends all day. From that day, SSSgt Zamakhsyarii set his mind on becoming a Police officer when he grew up.
Bring us through your journey as an officer.
I’ve been in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) since 2007. I served my National Service as a Staff Assistant to Commanding Officer at Pasir Ris Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC). I was also often attached as a Ground Response Force (GRF) officer.
Attending to a wide range of cases during my National Service helped me understand the important role that Police officers play in safeguarding Singapore. This experience strengthened my conviction to be a Police officer.
I signed on as a Police officer in 2010 with the goal of becoming an Investigation Officer (IO), during which I was posted to the Streetwalker Taskforce of the Criminal Investigation Department. Two years later, I was posted back to Pasir Ris NPC as a GRF officer and a Crime Strike Force officer. In 2018, my childhood dream was fulfilled when I became an IO with the Police Coast Guard (PCG).
What inspired you to be an IO?
I had the opportunity to work on a housebreaking case with an IO when I was a GRF officer. With his meticulousness, sharp thinking, and leadership skills, we were able to uncover crucial evidence that led to the identification of the culprit.
The IO left a deep impression on me and has been my role model ever since. This experience also motivated me to pursue my dream of becoming an IO. I aspire to be as good as he was.
What’s the most fulfilling part about being a PCG IO?
Work as an IO is meaningful as it aligns with my inquisitive nature and strong sense of justice. I like to uncover the truth and uphold the law, and investigating cases allows me to do so.
What makes my job even more exciting as a PCG IO is working on the water, where the cases we investigate are uncommon. Upholding maritime security also entails liaising with international and foreign agencies, in addition to local agencies such as the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Above all, the best part about being an IO is that no two cases are the same. I learn something new with each case I investigate, and witnessing justice being served brings me a deep sense of fulfilment.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as a PCG IO?
There’s an element of risk in terms of our operating environment out at sea. For instance, to board a large container vessel that can be as tall as a seven-storey building, we may need to scale a Jacob’s ladder while being exposed to the wind and waves. To disembark from a vessel also requires careful coordination with crew members in the Police boat below.
But I’ve never been worried about my safety. My teammates and I have all undergone rigorous training, which ensures that we’re familiar with and prepared for all scenarios.
What’s the most interesting case you’ve encountered?
I worked in collaboration with the Commercial Affairs Department in 2019 to uncover the tracks of a syndicate involved in the illegal large-scale transfer of marine fuel, with buyers being cheated of over US$300,000.
The syndicate avoided detection by using industrial-strength magnets to tamper with the mass flow meter equipment on board bunker tankers, to prevent accurate monitoring during fuel transfers. Even after the crime was uncovered, the syndicate attempted to destroy incriminating and crucial evidence to evade the court of law. However, my team and I worked tirelessly to conduct in-depth investigations that ultimately led to nine syndicate members being convicted.
How has your overall experience as an IO been so far?
Looking back, I could never have imagined that a simple birthday gift from my mother many years ago would lead me on this invaluable journey.
I’ve never regretted pursuing the dream of becoming an IO. Even though there can be stressful and high-tempo periods, the experience is also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Belonging to a small and tight-knit branch, my teammates are like family. We understand our struggles and emotions, and we’re always there for each other!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d encourage myself to persevere and stay positive, regardless of the challenges I face. Follow your heart and don’t lose faith! I’d extend this advice to all young officers who dream of becoming IOs one day.
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