Mat Radzi bin Abdul Samad
Fitter cum Forklift Driver
As Lumut Port celebrates its 30th anniversary, we also honour seven remarkable staff who have each served the organisation for three decades. Their journeys mirror the growth of Lumut Port itself—starting small, facing challenges and steadily growing into something bigger and stronger.
Each story in this series highlights not just years of service, but lives built alongside the port’s development. From the early days of construction to today’s expanding terminals, these individuals remind us that Lumut Port’s strength lies not only in its infrastructure, but in the people who keep it moving.
Starting out – For Mat Radzi bin Abdul Samad, the date 16 June 1995 remains unforgettable. Born and raised in Manjung, Radzi joined Lumut Port after three years of factory work, taking a chance on a new opportunity close to home.
“I still remember my first day driving a forklift,” he recalls. “I was nervous. Once, I even tipped a vehicle over!”
That early experience didn’t stop him, it defined his determination to keep learning and improving.
A Life Built with the Port – At 28, Radzi joined Lumut Port single and full of energy. Over the years, he built both his career and his life here, getting married and raising a son who now works in the hotel industry.
Radzi’s 30-year journey reflects the port’s transformation. From manual forklifts and limited machinery to advanced cargo systems, he has seen Lumut Port evolve into a modern, bustling operation. For the past seven years, he has operated the Duromac road sweeper, a key part of the port’s cleanliness and safety program.
“That’s his baby,” says Firdaus bin Mat Jusof, Assistant Manager of the Technical Services Department. “He’s one of the first to operate it and takes real pride in maintaining it. Not many in our team have his level of skill.”
Commitment and Character – Known affectionately as “Panjang” for his tall, lanky frame, Radzi’s personality is as distinctive as his nickname. “He’s funny and light-hearted,” says Firdaus. “Sometimes you don’t quite catch what he’s saying, but he keeps everyone laughing. Without him, it’s too quiet.”
His humour and humility, however, mask a deep sense of responsibility. Rafidah Shamsudin, Senior Manager of HR, describes him as one of Lumut Port’s dependable employees. “Radzi rarely misses work. He travels from Teluk Intan to work, which is about an hour’s journey on motorbike. Even after his accident, he came back as soon as he recovered. His attendance, attitude and consistency are admirable.”
A Test of Strength – The incident Rafidah mentioned happened in 2023. Radzi was involved in a serious motorcycle accident, leaving him with a head injury. Despite this, his motor skills and focus remained intact and his determination to work never wavered.
“His recovery amazed us,” says Firdaus. “He didn’t want special treatment. He just wanted to get back to work.”
That resilience earned him immense respect among colleagues. The Technical Services Department—home to 37 team members—continues to rally around him, recognizing his loyalty and quiet strength.
Thirty Years of Showing Up – Radzi doesn’t speak much about achievements or awards. For him, it is all about showing up, doing his work and doing it well. Over three decades, he’s done exactly that. His contribution may not make headlines, but his steady presence is what keeps the port running smoothly day after day.
“People like Radzi are the backbone of the company,” says Rafidah. “They remind us that dedication isn’t about big words, but about small actions done consistently.”
Looking Ahead – At 58, Radzi continues to clock in every day, tall as ever, quiet as always. His legacy is one of perseverance, reliability and quiet pride.
He doesn’t see himself as a hero, but his story reflects something essential about Lumut Port—the heart and humanity behind its success.
For 30 years, Mat Radzi bin Abdul Samad has kept Lumut Port clean, safe and steady. In every sense of the word, he truly is the resilient heart of Lumut Port.
This concludes the Lumut Port at 30: Seven Stories of 30-Year Service series – seven portraits of loyalty, resilience and growth that together tell the story of Lumut Port itself.
Behind every milestone stands a person who showed up, learned, adapted and stayed. Their dedication reminds us that ports may move cargo, but it is people who move the port.
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