MELAKA, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Melaka State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad led the list of recipients of the Bintang Semangat Rimba Emas (BSR-I) at the Scouts Association of Malaysia (PPM) Medals and Awards Presentation Ceremony held here yesterday.
In a statement today, PPM said other recipients of its highest award were Speaker of the Regional People's Representative Council of Jambi City Kemas Faried Alfarelly, National Chief Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides Dr Krishana Kumar Khandelwal, and International Commissioner of the National Scout Organisation of Thailand Pansak Ransibrahmanakul.
The ceremony, which also included the presentation of King's Scout Certificates and National Chief Scout Certificates of Commendation, was officiated by Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.
Also present were National Chief Scout Maj Gen Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Zin Bidin and National Scout Council member, who is also Dewan Rakyat Speaker, Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
The statement said the BSR-I is PPM's highest award, conferred on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Scouting Movement at the district, state, national and international levels.
The award is conferred on no more than 10 recipients in each presentation session, excluding honorary foreign recipients.
The statement said the term Semangat Rimba (Spirit of the Forest) symbolises the values of leadership, loyalty, discipline, hard work and closeness to nature that underpin the Scouting Movement.
A total of 373 individuals, including 15 international recipients, received PPM medals and awards, while 132 others received King's Scout Certificates in recognition of their excellence, sacrifice and contributions to Scouting.
In the same statement, Mohd Zin said each medal and award represented not only an honour but also a responsibility to continue serving the Scouting Movement.
"The medals and awards received are not merely pinned to the chest. Each represents time dedicated, energy contributed, expertise shared and service rendered for the advancement of the Scouting Movement.
"This award is a symbol of honour, but at the same time, it is a trust to continue being a role model," he said.
Mohd Zin said the King's Scout Award represents the highest achievement for Senior Scouts who have completed intensive training, mastered the required skills, demonstrated exemplary character and passed the King's Scout Standardisation Test.
He said the King's Scout Certificate, endorsed and signed by the King and the Malay Rulers, recognises recipients' resilience, discipline, leadership and readiness to serve society.
He added that the mandate inscribed on the certificate serves as a lifelong guide for recipients to uphold Scouting principles, remain faithful to God, serve society and contribute as members of the World Scout Brotherhood.
-- BERNAMA