BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Brunei Police Cadet Corps remains a popular co-curricular activity (CCA) in secondary schools nationwide, paving the way for students to nurture their interest in the policing field.

Hjh Milakarmilah Hj Matamin, a supervising teacher from Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School Mentiri, said the number of students signing up to become police cadets has increased steadily over the years.

“Since I began supervising this CCA nearly 10 years ago, I can see that interest among the students is growing. Currently, there are 60 police cadets at my school,” she commented.

Speaking at a Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebration hosted by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) last Sunday, the supervising teacher believed many of her students were drawn to the Brunei Police Cadet Corps due to their interest in the policing field.

“We encourage our students to explore their career options, so this is one of the ways for them to do that,” she explained.

In terms of career prospects, she noted, police cadets have an advantage due their experience in some of the basic elements of police training such as marching as well as a better understanding of the importance of integrity, responsibility and discipline.

Hjh Norhayati Mohd Salleh, another supervising teacher from Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School, said the opportunity to wear the police cadet uniform is appealing to students.

“They get to wear the police cadet uniform, which makes them proud. We also recognise outstanding students by giving out ranks and awards. These are some of the reasons why this CCA remains popular in secondary schools,” she pointed out.

She added that parents and guardians were strong supporters of the Brunei Police Cadet Corps as the students benefit from character-building.

Ronnie Tan from Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College said his family welcomed his newfound sense of discipline since becoming a police cadet earlier this year. The 15-year-old student explained he joined the CCA to gain experience in playing the trumpet for a uniformed band.

“My parents can see the benefits. They notice that I am now more disciplined than before. I have also made friends with police cadets from other schools,” he said.

Fifteen-year-old Abdul Aziz Adi from Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School said he continued to serve as a police cadet for the second year in a row as he “enjoyed the camaraderie and fun”.

He was also able to share his knowledge with peers who are new to the CCA.

“The training was difficult and uncomfortable at first, but eventually I enjoyed being a police cadet. I hope to follow my dad’s footsteps and join the RBPF,” he said.

Established in 1977 by the RBPF and Ministry of Education, the Brunei Police Cadet Corps aims to promote community awareness and responsibilities among the youth as well as encourage character-building.

There were reportedly a total of 1,435 police cadets from 30 different public and private schools in 2012.

The Brunei Times