Mazlan Abdul Rahman, 35, a sergeant, was the sole recipient of the JPP during the investiture ceremony of 2024 federal awards, medals and honours held in conjunction with the official birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim today, Bernama reported.

Leveraging on his expertise as a physical education and sports trainer, Mazlan, who has served in the army for 14 years, fearlessly leapt from the 20-metre-high bridge to rescue the pair from drowning.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mazlan, who currently serves with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment at Sungai Ara Camp, Penang, expressed his gratitude and surprise at receiving the prestigious honour from the king.

“At that moment, my only thought was to save the victims,” he recounted.

Recalling the incident that occurred about 7.45pm on Jan 15, Mazlan said he was on his way home to Sungai Petani at the time.

He believed he was guided by the value of saving lives, a principle deeply instilled in the army and he acted without hesitation. A fishing boat then came to help them and he also provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation assistance to the victims.

Hailing from Kuala Nerang, Kedah, Mazlan had previously served in Kelantan before being transferred to Penang late last year.

In 2022, he participated in the Malbatt 850-9 peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

The father of two boys, aged seven and three, had only recently recovered from a road accident on July 31, which required surgery on his arm.

On July 27, Mazlan was awarded the Pingat Gagah Perwira at the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the 75th birthday celebration of Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.

He was also promoted from corporal to sergeant in recognition of his bravery.