GEORGE TOWN: A soldier who rescued a couple who had fallen from Penang Bridge in January received the Pingat Gagah Perwira (PGP) in conjunction with the 75th anniversary celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, today.
Sergeant Mazlan Abdul Rahman, 35, when met after receiving the medal, said the award would serve as motivation for him to continue working hard and assisting those in need.
Mazlan, a physical training and sports instructor at the Second Battalion Royal Malay Regiment in Kem Sungai Ara, also felt that the medal would act as a morale booster for him and recognition for his colleagues.
"After receiving recognition from the army, I did not expect to receive the PGP from the state government today. I am truly surprised and never thought I would receive this medal," he told reporters after the awards ceremony at Dewan Seri Pinang.
A total of 235 individuals were honoured at the investiture ceremony today, which was also attended by Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Noor.
Reflecting on the incident, Mazlan said that at the time his only thought was to save lives in danger, a principle ingrained in him throughout his service.
"During the incident, my intention was simply to help the couple who had fallen from the Penang Bridge. The recognition I have received is appreciated, and I hope it will motivate me and my colleagues," he said.
Mazlan, who has served in the military for 14 years, expressed his gratitude to the state government and Tun Ahmad Fuzi for selecting him to receive the medal.
Originally from Kuala Nerang, Kedah, and having previously served in Kelantan, Mazlan was transferred to this state at the end of last year.
He has two sons aged three and seven.
Mazlan is the sole recipient of the PGP award this year.
On Jan 15, Mazlan was reported to have made a daring leap from Penang Bridge to rescue two individuals believed to have fallen into the sea.
This year, 142 individuals received state awards, while 1,204 people received orders and medals of honour. Among the recipients today is former DAP Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, who was awarded the highest state award, the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN), which carries the title of Datuk Seri Utama.– BERNAMA