FASTING overseas can be challenging for Malaysians, but imagine if you have to do so in the cramped environment of a submarine.
But for 152 Royal Malaysian Navy submariners, they take it all in their stride.
The food may be different, but the concept is still the same: To have their pre-dawn meal, to fast and break fast.
There is a significant Muslim community in Brest, but the environment is so different that the Ramadan celebration here isn't quite as joyous.
In Malaysia, they are accustomed to treating themselves to dishes at Ramadan bazaars. Here, they have to be content with cooking and eating in with their housemates.
Lt Nazley Kamarulzaman, 25, said: "Back in Malaysia, if I wasn't on duty or sailing during the fasting month, I'd go to the Ramadan bazaar at the navy base. My favourites would be patin tempoyak curry and murtabak."
Submarine training is conducted in the class and at sea. During sea training, batches of submariners have to sail in the Ouessant, an overhauled ex-French navy submarine bought by Malaysia for training.
For those undergoing sea training with their French mentors, this fasting month, sailing for two weeks can be a feat.
They not only have to brace for the rough seas of the Atlantic Ocean on empty stomachs, they have to do it while focusing on the task at hand.
I was among those who sailed recently, and I found the submarine environment to be physically and mentally trying, especially when recharging at the surface.
As the submarine was still under the French navy's administration, we had to arrange among ourselves the times to break our fast and have our pre-dawn meals. When breaking fast, we make sure that we set aside food for those still on duty.
We also have to figure out the right time to have our pre-dawn meals, so as not to clash with the eating times of our French mentors. It was necessary to do so owing to the limited space in the eating quarters.
Life in a submarine varies from that on a surface ship. Once the hatch closes, separating us from the outside world, we begin a life which depends on the air supply provided by the submarine's ventilation system.
The air is different from that outside. It is dry and the pressure in the ship changes regularly. It is not uncommon for trainees to experience throat dryness, a situation not helped by rationed water supply.
Petty officer Zulkifli Midi, 38, who worked in the machinery room, said the hot and dry environment in the room made it challenging to work in.
"Operating the machinery room when fasting is a real test of my iman (faith), especially when the submarine resurfaces to recharge the battery."
Furthermore, he said, everything had to be operated manually, requiring a lot of strength.
If breaking-fast times coincide with their shift, trainees will have to break fast with a gulp of water before carrying on. They get to eat a meal only after their shift ends at midnight, more than four hours later.
The French crew initially thought Malaysian trainees would be weak and exhausted and unable to perform their duties well while fasting.
However, the trainees' patience and resolve in going about their tasks impressed them. It also proved to them that we do not view fasting as a burden but an obligation to be fulfilled by able-bodied Muslims.
Malaysia bought two Scorpene submarines in 2002, which are being built by French shipbuilders DCN and their Spanish partner, Navantia.
The first submarine is due for completion and delivery in 2009. - Bernama

(published: 22/10/2006)