KUCHING – Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar received the Sarawak Hero’s Service Medal (PJPS) at a special ceremony held at Astana Negeri Sarawak on Thursday.
The award was presented by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg in recognition of Wan Junaidi’s past service and contribution during his years in the Royal Malaysian Police.
Wan Junaidi attended the ceremony with his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. The presentation was witnessed by several senior members of the Sarawak Government.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Second Minister of Finance and New Economy as well as Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; and Sarawak Government Secretary Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
Members of Wan Junaidi’s family, including his daughter Hajah Sharifah Fariah and Hajah Sharifah Nong Jasima and her husband Haji Muhammad Nur Hakeem Yusop, were also present at the ceremony.
The Sarawak Hero’s Service Medal is intended to recognise the service and sacrifices of veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysian Police who contributed to the country’s security, sovereignty and public welfare during their service.
Wan Junaidi’s service record includes joining the Royal Malaysian Police in 1964. He subsequently served with the Forest Police Force from 1968 to 1973.
During that period, he was stationed in the Rajang Security Area, or RASCOM, which was among the main operational areas in Sarawak during the state of emergency and efforts to counter the communist threat.
The award therefore recognises a period of service associated with security operations in Sarawak during a significant chapter in the state’s history.
The presentation also reflects the Sarawak Government’s recognition of individuals who served in national security roles, particularly those who undertook duties during periods of heightened security challenges.
Wan Junaidi expressed his appreciation to the Premier and the Sarawak Government for the honour. He said the award demonstrated the state government’s commitment to recognising the dedication, loyalty and sacrifices of personnel involved in defending the country’s interests and the well-being of its people.
The ceremony at Astana Negeri Sarawak brought together senior state leaders and members of Wan Junaidi’s family for the presentation, which highlighted his earlier public service and his involvement in security duties in Sarawak.
The recognition comes against the backdrop of the role played by security personnel in maintaining peace and stability during the emergency period, including operations in areas affected by the communist insurgency.
