Fallen Hero's Story Brought To Life In Emotional Tribute

By Amanina Mohamad Yusof & Norhayati Mohd Akhir

PUTRAJAYA, July 31 (Bernama) -- For Sergeant Jafri Khairul Mohd Jaafar, playing the role of a national hero who was killed in combat with communist insurgents was not just ‘acting’, it was more of a responsibility.

“This role is heavy. It’s not just acting. It’s a responsibility,” said Jafri Khairul, 44, a member of the elite VAT 69 Commando unit, as he reflected on the experience of portraying ASP Mohd Zabri Abdul Hamid in a pantomime held in conjunction with the 2025 Warriors’ Day ceremony.

Jafri Khairul, who has served with the special forces based at Sultan Nazrin Shah Camp in Ulu Kinta for two decades, admitted that he did not expect the task of performing in the pantomime to be so emotionally overwhelming and deeply touching.

“Mohd Zabri is not just a figure in our unit’s history. He’s a legend, and playing his role reminded me of my late comrade, ASP Zulkifli Mamat,” he told Bernama, his voice breaking as he fought back tears.

He said he was present at the scene during the bloody Lahad Datu incident on March 1, 2013, which claimed the lives of Zulkifli and nine other security personnel, adding that that tragedy remains etched in his memory.

“When I stepped onto the stage, I didn’t see the lights or the audience. All I saw were the faces of those who are no longer with us,” he said quietly.

The pantomime titled ‘Zabri, Pejuang Sang Saka Biru’ by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) took the audience through the heroic tales of VAT 69 commando ASP Mohd Zabri.

The 15-minute performance portraying the struggles of Mohd Zabri, famed as the legendary wielder of ‘Kerambit Kembar’ (twin curved knife), was brought to life by 142 PDRM officers and personnel.

It was followed by a video, which was creatively produced using 80 per cent artificial intelligence (AI) technology by the PDRM team to illustrate the true story.

Mohd Zabri, who was on a mission to pursue and stop the insurgents from escaping across the border, had stepped on a booby trap. The explosion severed his right ankle, causing massive blood loss.

Before drawing his last breath, Mohd Zabri delivered a final message to his men, urging them to continue the mission of hunting down and defeating the nation’s enemies, even in his absence.

-- BERNAMA