By Dharshini Balan and Heidi Foo

SEPANG, MALAYSIA: Being an air traffic controller is not as glamorous as being a pilot or air stewardess, despite their vital role in ensuring safe departure and arrival of aircraft.

But they are the ones with the highest level of discipline on the job, and demonstrate great concentration, dedication and level of responsibility.

Even during Ramadan, when most Muslims break fast with family and friends, the Muslim ATCs attached to the Department of Civil Aviation spare only a few minutes to pray and grab a quick bite before going back on duty.

Mohamed Fauzy Abu Ba-kar, 52, who has been an ATC for the last 33 years, said he had no problems working during the fasting month and had adjusted to the routine.

"Though I miss breaking fast with my family, they understand my job.

"We operate 24 hours a day with eight working cycles a month. Each cycle has four shifts and it is critical for us to have enough staff to monitor air traffic round the clock."

He said there were two control towers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport -- the main tower and an apron tower with a total of 15 controllers working at any time.

He said the main tower monitored the arrivals and departures of domestic and international flights, including private and military aircraft.

The apron tower, also known as the "robocop" tower by the ATCs, is responsible for controlling the ground movement of the LCCT and cargo flights, as well as the international flights at the south section of the satellite building.

"On average, we have about 450 flight landings and take-offs daily."

He said the KLIA operated on segregated and single runway modes, depending on wind directions and weather conditions.

"Segregated runway mode means that both the runways at the KLIA are being used at the same time.

"We opt for the single runway mode when regular maintenance works are being carried out on Mondays and Tuesdays after 1am, or if there is any emergency or a change in weather conditions."

Fauzy said his non-Muslim colleagues were very accommodating during Ramadan as they had voluntarily taken over all the morning shifts.

"They have also voluntarily taken over the morning shifts on Hari Raya so we can perform our prayers and celebrate with our loved ones before coming in to work."

Photo: Mohamed Fauzy Abu Bakar (left) with his colleague, Anuar Ramli, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport's main tower. [NST picture by Izhari Ariffin]