ALOR SETAR, Sept 28 — Former Kedah Civil Defence Force (APM) director, the late Lieutenant Colonel (PA) Awang Askandar Ampuan Yaacub, was posthumously awarded a Special Award at the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration today.
The special award was presented by the Sultan of Kedah Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah to Kedah APM deputy director Major (PA) Mohd Muaz Mohd Yusoff, representing Awang Askandar’s family who could not attend the ceremony.
Mohd Muaz said the award recognised Awang Askandar’s contributions and services during his nearly six years as the Kedah APM director.
“The late Awang Askandar made significant contributions, especially to the people of Kedah, where he was actively involved in flood operations, provided training to the community and the public, and collaborated with various departments and agencies in the state.
“Today, APM officers and his friends are also present at this meaningful award ceremony,” he told the press after the ceremony held at a hotel.
Mohd Muaz added the montage presentation about Awang Askandar had an impact on everyone present, especially the other APM officers, personnel, and himself.
“Although the incident that befell him happened some time ago, we all felt like it had just occurred. The montage touches us because we lost a beloved and respectful figure, whom we had known since 2017.
“The deceased was honoured with a certificate of appreciation, a commemorative gift and a mock cheque for RM7,000, which we will present to his family in Sabah,” he said.
Awang Askandar, 56, died during the Malaysia Everest 2023 expedition in May after he was reported to have fallen when making the final ascent at 8,000m.
At today’s ceremony, the imam of Masjid Al-A’la in Jitra, Saidin Dogol, 75, received the Tokoh Imam Award and brought home a certificate of appreciation, a commemorative gift, and a check for RM7,000.
— Bernama
