Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - Former Royal Brunei Armed Forces personnel, Cpl (Rtd) Hj Tajudin Hj Omar, expressed his gratitude to Persatuan Bekas Perajurit Negara Brunei Darussalam (PBPNDB) for giving him an award in recognition of his bravery in saving 13 passengers from a submerging taxi boat at Sungai Temburong in Oct 19 last year.

"With or without recognition, I would have saved anyone from drowning or in any dangerous situations," said Cpl (Rtd) Hj Tajuddin, and added, "It is our responsibility to help those in need anytime and anywhere."

Recalling on the incident, Cpl (Rtd) Hj Tajuddin said he was returning to Temburong from the capital in a taxi boat on Oct 19 after visiting his relatives with his family in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

When he saw a taxi boat in front of them submerging slowly into the water, he quickly jumped into the water from his boat to help the passengers.

"I would also like to express my gratitude to others who were with me to help the victims.

For his bravery, Cpl (Rtd) Hj Tajudin received a certificate and a souvenir from the president of PBPNDB Lt Colonel (Rtd) Pehin Dato Indera Negara Hj Mohd Ariffin bin Dato Paduka Hj Abd Wahab in a ceremony, prior to the start of PBPNDB annual general meeting.

He also received recognition from three PBPNBD advisors, YAM Pg Sanggamara Di Raja Major General (Rtd) Pg Hj Ibnu Baasith bin Pg Datu Penghulu Pg Hj Apong, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awg Hj Mohamad bin Hj Daud and Pehin Datu Indera Setia Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awg Hj Sulaiman bin Hj Damit. To remember the good deeds of former army officers and soldiers, the executive committee of PBPNBD agreed to give the Anugerah Jasawan Perwira 2008 to Cpl (Rtd) Hj Tajudin.

According to WO1 (RTd) Pg Hj Abu Bakar bin Pg DP Hj Mohamad, such recognition will be awarded to any army personnel deemed a hero. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin