IPOH — Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah, accompanied by Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, presided over the Perak-level National Day Awards presentation ceremony held here on Tuesday. The event also saw the attendance of Raja Muda of Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa and Raja DiHilir of Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.
During the ceremony, Sultan Nazrin honored 11 individuals for their notable service and sacrifices in protecting Malaysia's security and sovereignty. Each awardee received a certificate of appreciation alongside a RM1,000 token.
The honorees included six personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), two from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and three from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN). All had sustained injuries or disabilities in the line of duty.
Among the recipients was Warrant Officer 2 Mohamad Razali Din, who lost his left leg below the knee after stepping on a landmine during Operation Naga in Banding. Another notable honoree was Warrant Officer 2 Megat Abdullah Megat Othman, recognized for neutralizing three communist terrorists during Operation Batu Kawah in Sri Aman; he was awarded a commando knife along with his certificate.
The remaining MAF awardees were Staff Sergeant Idris Ismail, Corporal Mokhtar Sulaiman, Lance Corporal Khairul Anuar Abdul Hamid, and Lance Corporal Alias Abd Wahab. The police recipients comprised retired Sub-Inspector Omar Jayus and retired Sergeant-Major Abdul Malek Nordin. The RMN veterans honored included retired First Admiral Mohamad Imran Abd Hamid, retired Commander Mohd Akhbar Mohd Yusof, and retired Warrant Officer 2 Ahmad Safwi Shaari.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad highlighted the nation's multicultural foundation, stating that Malaysia has been built by a diverse society united under a common flag and constitution. He emphasized the role of the Malay language as the national language in fostering unity, as well as the enduring significance of the Malay Rulers’ institution as a protector of all Malaysians.