KUALA LUMPUR: A soldier who risked his life to save two people who fell from the Penang Bridge recently was promoted.
Corporal Mazlan Abdul Rahman, who serves with the Second Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (2 RAMD), was today promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
The conferment of rank was made by the army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan at the Army Basic Training Centre in Port Dickson.
In addition to his promotion, Mazlan was also awarded with 'Pisau Tentera Darat', in recognition and honour of his bravery as a soldier.
During the incident, Mazlan, who was crossing the bridge, immediately jumped upon hearing cries for help from beneath the structure.
He also provided Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) assistance to the victims after reaching a nearby boat.
On Jan 15, it was reported that a man and woman fell into the sea at KM2.8 of the bridge following an altercation.
State police chief Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said based on an initial statement from the 40-year-old woman, she was pushed off the bridge by her male friend, 37, who is a senior police officer from outside the state.
They were fortunately rescued by Mazlan with the help of a passing fishing boat.
The Malaysian Army on Jan 16 in a statement on Facebook, commended the swift action of its personnel in rescuing two individuals, saying it is exemplary.
Meanwhile, Hafizuddeain described the promotion given to Mazlan due to his courage to help the public.
He said such actions showed how a soldier has the qualities of courage and sacrifice, showing heroism through his brave actions.
Hafizuddeain believed that what Mazlan did was the result of the training and education received throughout his service in the army.
