Honorary service medals were bestowed on 648 more people yesterday at the Istana Nurul Iman for their excellent service or dedicated long service to the country.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, with consent from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, bestowed the medals in an event that took place at the Istana Nurul Iman.

It was an historic moment for the recipients as the event also took place in the presence of state dignitaries, cabinet ministers, senior government officers and foreign dignitaries.

Out of 648 people, 386 received the Pingat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB) or Excellent Service Medal, while 262 received the Pingat Kerja Lama (PKL) or Long Service Medal.

Hjh Shahrina bte Hj Mohd Hashim has been working with the Ministry of Health since 1987, and she was one of the recipients of Pinggat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB) or Excellent Service Medal.

She felt elated for being recognised for her dedication to work. She said the medal has further buoyed her spirit to work even more with dedication.

She works at the Department of Dental Service, which is a service that directly deals with the public at large. Therefore, their work performances will largely involve how well they have served the public.

Dealing with the public at large can be exhaustive and tiring, as well as demanding.

Noorhayati Hj Md Ali, who also works with the Ministry of Health, said she felt honoured to be chosen as a recipient of Pingat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB) or Excellent Service Medal.

She expressed her gratitude to His Majesty for recognising her dedication to work.

She also thanked her department head for selecting her for the award.

She added that she now feels more motivated and dedicated to her work.

The awards are based on individuals' work merits that represent their contributions to the nation through government and non-government services.

The recipients should also possess a continuously good track record, as well as good behaviour. - Borneo Bulletin (14th April 2011)