Meet Zafri Ramli, Assistant Facility Manager, at Pertapis Halfway House (PHH). Started his journey with Pertapis since 1993, he challenged himself and served in many different roles within Pertapis.
Q & A with Zafri Ramli
What is your role and how did you find your way to your current role at Pertapis Halfway House (PHH)?
I am currently the Assistant Facility Manager at Pertapis Halfway House (PHH).
I started my journey with Pertapis in 1993 with the passion to help substance abusers to overcome their life challenges and I believe in second chances. My passion grew and I was given the opportunity to explore my potential at Pertapis.
In 1997, I was one of the selected staff to set up and operate a residential facility dealing with juvenile delinquency known as Pertapis Adolescent Development Centre. I was the House Manager and assisted the Head of Home in running the day-to-day program and in charge of the discipline matters. In 2000, I was transferred back to PHH as the House Manager. Since then, I have been challenging myself with different roles such the leading the Pertapis Mover’s operations team and now taken the Assistant Facility Manager role.
My current role sees me involved in daily inspections, repairs and maintenance of the facility. I oversee any facility projects and is responsible in ensuring that the Home meets the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) guidelines set.
What is a typical workday like for you at PHH?
I start my day by checking my daily ‘to-do list’ before attending the staff meeting where I will give updates on any maintenance and facility matters. After the meeting, I will interact with the residents before deploying them to their respective departments for work therapy.
I will also be making my perimeter round check to ensure that the facility is in order in terms of cleanliness and safety.
In the afternoon, I will continue to complete any other tasks and plan for any additional works that needs my attention.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy working alongside with my colleagues the most because the PHH team shares the same vision and is dedicated to the mission. This creates an environment where we motivate and inspire one another to do our best.
What has been the most challenging part of your role and how did you overcome it?
The pandemic is the most challenging period for us. As the Facility Supervisor, I need to ensure a safe environment for both residents and staff. I spearheaded the team in planning and executing all the physical set up such as the swabbing area, isolation rooms and organise the parameter for social distancing within the facility.
It was a challenging time but with the support and teamwork, I was able to overcome and manage the daily challenges during the pandemic.
Describe a memorable experience from any of your roles at Pertapis?
The most memorable experience was when I was the House Manager at Pertapis Adolescent Development Centre. It was challenging yet rewarding.
The beneficiaries that went through the programme, successfully maintained a positive lifestyle and now, lead their family. Seeing the change and growth makes me proud and happy for them. I am still in touch with the beneficiaries till now!
How would you describe the culture at Pertapis?
Pertapis is ‘warm’ where employees engage with one another in a positive way and strong ‘teamwork’ as we work collaboratively towards the same goal. Pertapis also encourages continuous learning and upskilling to expand the staff’s capabilities.
Get to know more of our passionate and incredible employees at #lifeatPERTAPIS and learn how you can be part of the team!