LTA (NS) Muhammad Danial Abdul Razak (left) and his younger brother SGT2 (NS) Muhammad Qaiyum Abdul Razak.
From fighting fires to navigating the trials of NS life, serving in the SCDF is a family affair for brothers Danial and Qaiyum. They share how their brotherly bond has made serving the nation a more enriching experience.
If anyone wants a primer on how the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has evolved over the decades, just ask SGT2 (NS) Muhammad Qaiyum Abdul Razak and his family. Along with his elder brother, LTA (NS) Muhammad Danial Abdul Razak, and their father, Abdul Razak bin Abdul Rahman, they have lived the SCDF journey through the generations.
SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum served his full-time National Service as an SCDF firefighter in Paya Lebar Fire Station, following in the footsteps of their father — who served his reservist duties in the SCDF Rescue Unit after a stint in the Police Vigilante Corps in the early ’80s.
During his National Service, LTA (NS) Danial led a platoon in the Special Rescue Unit. Now, as a NSman, he serves as the Deputy Company Commander in the Civil Resource Unit (CRU). Coincidentally, their brother-in-law, Nor Azmi Bin Mohamad Azlan, had served his full-time National Service at Banyan Fire Station from 2012 to 2014.
When SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum’s father visited his Paya Lebar Fire Station recently, he was impressed by the advancements in firefighting technology, the 31-year-old recounted. While today’s firefighters can start equipment with the push of a button, his father had to manually crank generators to operate hydraulic spreaders and cutters. “It must have been quite a workout,” says SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum. “He was genuinely taken aback by the significant transformations in appliances, equipment, and uniforms since his own NS days.”
The brothers’ father, Mr Abdul Razak bin Abdul Rahman (second from left), during his NS stint in Police Vigilante Corps.
For LTA (NS) Danial, 34, their father’s stories always carried significant weight. He recalls how these memories — such as learning to safely extract trapped dummies from rubble — came flooding back when he first handled SCDF equipment. “I remember him telling me how not all participants, despite their physical fitness, were able to complete the course. This left a lasting impression on me, especially when I experienced similar training during my NS days, because it taught me that perseverance and teamwork were just as crucial as physical strength. It inspired me to push beyond my limits,” he reflects.
These shared experiences have not only strengthened their family bonds, but also instilled in the brothers a deep sense of national pride. “From a young age, I admired my father’s sense of purpose whenever he donned his reservist uniform,” says LTA (NS) Danial. “It wasn’t until I joined the National Cadet Corps in secondary school that I truly grasped the significance of wearing such attire, which fuelled my desire to become a contributing member of society and to aid others in need.”
Even before his enlistment, SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum was already familiar with the ins and outs of serving as an SCDF firefighter, thanks to his brother who had enlisted seven years earlier.
Attending LTA (NS) Danial’s 3rd Rota Commander Course Passing Out Parade in 2012 sparked in him a keen interest in serving his NS as an SCDF firefighter. “Witnessing their courage and readiness to serve our nation inspired me greatly,” recalls SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum. “I was excited at the prospect of emulating their dedication and strength.”
LTA (NS) Danial with his proud family during his Rota Commander Course Passing Out Parade.
LTA (NS) Danial, however, remembers feeling a mix of excitement and nerves when he first enlisted. He had always aspired to serve in the SCDF for the lifelong, practical skills it would provide, but was concerned about keeping up with the physical fitness demands. “I felt a lot of pressure, not because my father had served in the SCDF, but because I wasn’t in the best shape,” he admits. “I was worried I might not be able to keep up with my fellow trainees, who were physically fitter.”
Ultimately, he managed to excel in his role and became a source of inspiration for his brother, candidly sharing his experiences of overcoming physical fitness challenges and participating in real firefighting scenarios.
When faced with challenges during training and firefighting operations, his words gave SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum the confidence to persevere. “Despite his difficulties, my brother emphasised the profound satisfaction derived from accomplishing tasks through effective teamwork, which he valued above all else,” he says. “His guidance gave me the courage to confront any challenges encountered during fire calls.”
The brothers’ mutual pride in each other’s achievements is palpable. SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum fondly remembers visiting LTA (NS) Danial during Open House days and marvelling at his leadership. “Seeing my brother in action, guiding his platoon and demonstrating the use of rescue equipment, I was deeply impressed by the camaraderie and care he exhibited towards his teammates,” he shares.
The brothers and their family beaming with pride once again during SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum’s SCDF enlistment Passing Out Parade.
LTA (NS) Danial, in turn, admires his brother’s extensive experience in handling emergency situations, from firefighting to suicide cases. “Qaiyum surpasses me in experience, having responded to more real-life emergency situations,” he says. “His adeptness on-site is underscored by his familiarity with equipment operation and swift action.”
Though their full-time stints are over, the brothers continue to thrive in their respective fields, drawing from their SCDF experience.
As a marine surveyor with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), LTA (NS) Danial conducts port state control inspections on ships and leverages his SCDF training when inspecting firefighting equipment and as a safety officer/fire warden for his shipping division. His knowledge allows him to share valuable knowledge with ship crews, such as the proper donning of firefighter outfits and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Similarly, SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum, who works as a senior operation technician at ExxonMobil, is also a member of the Designated Emergency Response Team (DERT). He remains ready to respond to emergencies such as fires on site, donning his firefighting outfit and tackling fires just as he did during his NS days, as well as conducting drills and simulating fire scenarios to maintain the team’s readiness.
The family is united by their shared commitment to the SCDF.
Both brothers continue to be inspired by their father, who imbued them with a sense of pride in serving in the uniform. “In moments of adversity, our father’s counsel to maintain composure has been invaluable,” notes LTA (NS) Danial. “He often emphasised the importance of integrity, advocating for honesty and standing firm in his principles.”
And while neither brother has become a parent yet, they would be thrilled to pass on the torch to their children. “I would support them wholeheartedly if they chose to serve in the SCDF,” says LTA (NS) Danial. “I would inspire them by emphasising the bravery and selflessness required to help those in need and save lives.”
SGT2 (NS) Qaiyum echoes this sentiment. “If my children choose to enlist in the SCDF and honour our family tradition, it would fill me with immense pride.”
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