KUCHING: A total of 713 veteran soldiers have been awarded the Malaysian Service Medal (PJM) for their bravery, courage, sacrifice and loyalty in serving Malaysia during the Emergency period.
The state-level awards ceremony was officiated at by Deputy Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz at Imperial Hotel today (Aug 21).
Also present were Eastern Field Army Commander Lt-Gen Datuk Mardzuki Muhammad, Eastern Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali, First Division Commander Maj-Gen Datuk Dzulkafli Mustaffa, Malaysian Armed Force (ATM) Health Services Director-General Lt-Gen Datuk Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh and other dignitaries.
Ikmal said the PJM medals represents the country’s appreciation to the veterans for their service and sacrifices during the Emergency period.
“Veteran soldiers are important assets to the country as they have the knowledge, experience and skills that are irreplaceable.
“I hope they will devote themselves to guiding and advising the younger generation,” he said after the ceremony.
To date, a total of 31,221 veteran soldiers have been awarded the PJM.
The awarding of PJM implemented since 2004 is a recognition to the soldiers for their bravery, courage, sacrifice and loyalty in contributing to Malaysia’s freedom from the threat of communists.
The medal is only awarded to soldiers who met the eligibility requirements such as having served or been involved in operations continuously for more than three months or having served directly for up to six months in any army team or formation from January 1, 1969 to December 2, 1989 for operations against the Malayan Communist Party (PKM) or; having served or been involved in operations from January 1, 1969 to October 17, 1990 against the North Kalimantan Communist Party (PKKU) or, have been killed, injured or disabled during duty against PKM or PKKU.
