The certificate was awarded to R Rabil M Rasu, also known as Peter, after a voter named Noor Haizie Norani praised him for helping her elderly parents to the front of a long queue so they could vote without having to wait in line.

She posted her encounter with Peter on an online feedback system run by the home ministry, the purview of which Rela falls under.

“We were assigned to look after the safety of the people, manage the crowd and traffic on the street, and to coordinate with the police as well as Election Commission workers,” Peter, 55, told FMT.

A volunteer with Rela since 2011, he said he took his job seriously because “I take pride in wearing the uniform”.

When contacted by FMT, Noor Haizie said she was genuinely touched by Peter’s actions because the queue was “unbelievably long”, and he assisted her parents without hesitation to the front so they could cast their votes immediately.

She said she also noticed how easily he interacted with the other voters at the polling centre in Dewan Beringin Taman Seri Gombak, Selangor.

“He talked to everyone regardless of race and was very easygoing. He also responded to every question in a courteous manner, and as soon as he noticed someone in a wheelchair, he would rush over to help,” the 36-year-old said, adding that she felt compelled to give her feedback to the home ministry.

Asked how he felt at being recognised for his service, Peter said: “I was surprised and happy because it’s nice when someone notices you, even though you don’t expect anything.”

Peter, who is a taxi driver, once worked in an advertising agency but left in 2010 so he could spend more time with his family.

The father of three said his only son, Vimal Raymond, was also on duty with him that day.

“I like volunteer work because it’s a way to give back to the community,” Peter said. “We can’t be takers all the time. Even if we can’t give financially, we can help out in other ways.”

And true to his word, his little acts of kindness show up in surprising ways.

For instance, he has often willingly waived the taxi fare for those who cannot afford it. “After all, there have been times when other passengers pay me slightly more, so why shouldn’t I give back?

“My parents have taught me that what we do will someday come back to us in another form. So, I’ve always been polite and kind to others, regardless of race or religion.

“After all, our blood is of the same colour,” he said.