KUCHING – The Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, together with Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, officiated the Sarawak State Order of Merit Ceremony for 2024 and 2025 at the Grand Hall, Astana Sarawak.
The ceremony, which commenced at 11.00 am, recognised 150 individuals for their dedication, service and contributions across various fields. The awards symbolise the state’s appreciation for those who have played significant roles in Sarawak’s development and progress.
The arrival of the Governor and Toh Puan was greeted by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation & Roads), YB Datuk Dr Jerip anak Susil, accompanied by his wife Datin Lee Chai Foong, and Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Administration), Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua.
The Registrar of Awards, Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Hamzah bin Syed Paie, Senior Private Secretary to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, received consent from the Governor to begin the ceremony.
Among the honours presented were:
Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (P.B.K) – Awarded to 14 individuals, including Bujang Rahman bin Seli, Ezra Uda, Anne Anthony Lajinga and Caroline Chen Tze Yian.
Merited Service Medal (P.P.B.) – Conferred on 20 recipients, such as Angelico anak Francis Freddy Tiam, Awang Nazri bin Awang Saperi, Dr Kho Lip Khoon and Sr Ts Chin Wee Li.
Sarawak Member of the Red Star (A.B.S) – Presented to 11 recipients, including Penghulu Mohamad bin Apik @ Mohd Taufik, Penghulu Norbert Nuom anak Layon and Andrew Chien Kai Bing.
Member of the Star of the Kenyalang (A.B.K) – Awarded to 21 recipients, among them Abdul Taib bin Yusup, Chang Hwang Yang, Evlyn Sawai anak Ramba and Nur Syurgayah binti Mahali @ Jos, who represented the late Halijah binti Morji.
Commendable Service Medal (P.P.T) – Given to 43 recipients, including Haji Awang Kasti bin Haji Hamdan, Aris Moore anak Sayom, Danet Chua Mei Chu @ Chua Mei Chu and Imor anak Langgu.
Bentara Bintang Sarawak (B.B.S) – Presented to 41 recipients, including Abdul Karim bin Abdul Rahman, Chang Ah Leong, Wan Sakeran bin Wan Mohamad and Diah anak Sangong.
The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Al-Fadhil Ustaz Haji Syed Mohd Rusydi bin Haji Wan Yusup, Religious and Research Officer of the Office of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak. The Registrar of Degrees then confirmed the successful completion of the event.
In his closing remarks, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi expressed his heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to all recipients. He commended their integrity, commitment and contributions to Sarawak’s growth, urging them to continue serving the people, uphold noble values and act as role models within their communities.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Ministers Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Anak Lamoh and Datuk Dr Haji Juanda bin Haji Jaya, alongside their spouses, as well as senior officers from state and federal departments. Their presence underscored the importance of recognising individuals who have contributed to Sarawak’s progress.
The awards ceremony highlighted the state’s commitment to honouring excellence and service, reinforcing the values of dedication and community leadership that underpin Sarawak’s continued development.
