Faculty of Arts and Social Science academic Assoc Prof Dr Cheah Phaik Kin was awarded the Anugerah Pemandu Berhemah by YDH Inspector General Tan Sri Acryl Sani Hj Abdullah Sani at the Op Selamat 17 award ceremony held on 8 February 2022, at Bukit Aman Police Headquarters. She received a plaque and a certificate.

The award was presented to drivers and motorcyclists who have consistently practised road safety and abided by the law on public roads. The award also serves as an initiative to recognise prudent drivers and motorcyclists, as well as to encourage others to prioritise safety on the road. Apart from Dr Cheah, the award was also given to two other recipients, namely Munuganan Veerappen and Mohd Firdaus bin Abd Hamid. All three winners took part in a video promotion in the Op Selamat 17 road safety campaign.

“I am honoured to be selected as one of the winners of this award. This award gives me encouragement to continue abiding by the road safety rules and regulations. I am also impressed by the clean track record of fellow recipients Munuganan and Mohd Firdaus, who have also been consistent in practising safe driving,” enthused Dr Cheah.

She also commented, “Malaysians have not been able to return to their hometowns freely for the past two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chinese New Year holiday this year is indeed a welcomed break as Malaysians could finally travel for a short vacation or return to their hometowns to celebrate with their loved ones. Thus, there was increased traffic on the roads and highways in the country. I am grateful to the officers and volunteer police reserve officers (PVR) in the Royal Malaysia Police force for working round the clock, sacrificing their own holidays and time with their loved ones to ensure the safety of all Malaysians. It is a relief to know that PDRM’s effort was effective in reducing the percentage of road accidents and deaths significantly. Cases of break-ins have also been reduced considerably with PDRM’s efforts in ensuring the security of people’s homes when they are left empty during the holiday season. These efforts and sacrifices from the PDRM are commendable.”