Colleagues express shock over corporal’s death in Klang ambush (VIDEO)

KLANG, March 5 — The death of Cpl Raja Aizam Raja Mohd, killed in the line duty, is a tragedy not only to his family but also to members of the police force. 

Klang Selatan police chief ACP Kamarulzaman Mamat was teary-eyed when met at the surau at the Taman Sri Andalas police quarters, where Raja Aizam’s body was being prepared for burial.  

He said that although every policeman knew the risk involved in carrying out his duties, it was still a shock when the life of one of their own was lost.

“This is a tragic incident. I am at loss for words,” said Kamarulzaman. 

“He was a dedicated officer who took his duty to protect the public seriously. I appreciate everything he has done during his many years in service and I am saddened by the loss.”

Raja Aizam, who was killed in a scuffle with a group of illegal immigrants at Taman Sentosa yesterday, leaves his home-maker wife, Norsalmah Nordin, 52, and four children aged between 17 and 25.

Norsalmah’s niece, who declined to be identified, said although her aunt was devastated by the incident, she accepted it as God’s will.

“She’s heart-broken but she knows she has to be strong for her children,” the niece said.

Raja Aizam’s cousin, Nurhasrul Nizam Muhammad Isa, 38, said he received a call about the incident early yesterday morning and had trouble believing it at first.

“I was in my office when the call came in. My cousin told me Aizam was stabbed while on duty and had died in hospital. It took me a while to come to terms with his death,” he said.

Nurhasrul said Raja Aizam, the second of three siblings, had been with the force for more than 30 years.

“He had served Klang since I was a kid,” he said.

A resident at the Taman Sri Andalas police quarters said Raja Aiman’s death caused her to be more concerned about the safety of her husband, who is also a policeman.

“My husband works in the narcotics department. He deals with criminals, so I am naturally worried,” the 51-year-old housewife said.

“I know these risks come with the job but it does not make it any easier.”

Raja Aizam’s remains were brought to the surau at the police quarters at 4.20pm for prayers before they were accompanied by his family, Klang and Selangor police officers to his hometown at Kampung Sayung, Kuala Kangar, Perak, for burial.