R. Yogeswary, the dedicated security guard stationed at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh, was honored with the prestigious Pingat Pangkuan Negara (PPN) award by the Agong during a special ceremony held yesterday. The 44-year-old woman, a single mother raising two children, has gained recognition for her compassionate and considerate approach toward patients who come to the hospital. The recognition was bestowed upon her in acknowledgment of her exceptional kindness and courtesy in carrying out her responsibilities.
Yogeswary was delighted when Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah expressed, “You deserved it.” The heartfelt words of recognition and appreciation from the monarch brought a radiant smile to Yogeswary’s face. This verbal affirmation added an extra layer of significance to the recognition, making it a gratifying and memorable experience for Yogeswary.
Al-Sultan Abdullah personally conveyed this message to Yogeswary after she received the Pingat Pangkuan during the investiture ceremony at Istana Negara. Speechless with emotion, Yogeswary could only express her gratitude by repeatedly saying ‘Thank you’ during a brief encounter with the Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimumah Iskandariah following the ceremony.
Yogeswary’s path to acknowledgment commenced through the vast reach of social media, where her noteworthy displays of compassion rapidly gained widespread attention. Her altruistic efforts in aiding patients and visitors, facilitating seamless traffic management at the hospital, and offering assistance to individuals with disabilities endeared her to both the general public and the healthcare community. Her exceptional dedication did not go unnoticed, prompting the health minister to take notice and arrange a meeting between Yogeswary and the King and Queen at the Istana Negara.
“I never thought that I would be able to set foot in the Istana Negara and meet the King anQueen in person, what more when the Palace officials told me that the King himself wanted to see me for a while and take picture together,” she shared her emotional moment.
Yogeswary was part of a group of 298 individuals honored during the ceremony, coinciding with the celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s birthday.
“At the hospital, many patients seek treatment, they are in a sad state, as their family members, that’s why I always want to provide good treatment because that’s the least I can do for them. I will not stop to help the community, as long as I am healthy and have energy, I will do best to help people,” she said.
Yogeswary, who previously manned security at the hospital’s Women, Children and Cardiology Complex, has been stationed at the Day Care Complex for the past six months.
The Pingat Pangkuan Negara award serves as a testament to Yogeswary’s outstanding service and underscores the importance of recognizing the invaluable contributions made by individuals in roles that may sometimes be overlooked. It is a commendation of her dedication to upholding a high standard of professionalism while embodying compassion and courtesy in her interactions with patients, visitors, and colleagues alike. Yogeswary’s achievement is a source of pride for the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital and stands as an inspiration for others in similar roles across the nation.
Source: Bernama
