PBAPP chief Pathmanathan receives Datukship award

Admin
dscf1781 K. Pathmanathan

PENANG Water Supply Corporation chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan received Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title of Dato’, from Penang Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak at Dewan Sri Pinang today.

 

Vilified by his critics and praised by his supporters, Pathmanathan, 56, was at the centre of attention in December last year and January this year due to major water disruptions in the state following pipe burst at the Prai River.

 

Pathmanathan, who has helmed PBAPP, one of the most crucial state facilities, for four years, was among 346 individuals honoured at the state investiture ceremony marking the 75th birthday celebration of Penang Yang diPertua Negeri today, the third day of the award presentation.

 

whatsapp image 2024 07 31 at 11.45.13
Tun Ahmad Fuzi arriving at the investiture ceremony, accompanied by Chow (left) and Law (right).

 

The investiture ceremony ends tomorrow (Aug 1), with a total of 1,346 individuals honoured with state awards, honours and medals over four days.

 

“I am thrilled … thank you to the State Government for bestowing this honour.

 

“With this award, I feel motivated to serve even more proactively.

 

“I feel this award is not just for me personally, but also for the PBAPP staff. The conferment of the award is a recognition for all PBAPP members in enhancing the performance of the state’s treated water supply services.

 

“Therefore, we (PBAPP staff) extend our heartfelt thanks,” Pathmanathan told Buletin Mutiara in the lobby of Dewan Sri Pinang this morning.

 

20240731 131417
Ashwin says the PKT award is a motivation for him to bring more business to the state.

 

Ashwin Gunasekeran, the chief executive officer of the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), expressed his gratitude to the state government for being awarded the Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT).

 

“It is a proud moment and also a motivation for me to work harder and bring more business to the state,” Ashwin, 44, said.

 

Under his leadership, PCEB has seen significant improvement over the past nine years, from 2016 to 2023, excluding the Covid years.

 

The PCEB data analysis (2016 to 2023):

2016: 1,251 events (Estimated Economic Impact of RM808,325,654)

2017: 2,510 events (EEI – RM1,002,825,737)

2018: 2,732 events (EEI – RM1,312,897,291)

2019: 3,762 events (EEI – RM1,503,499,599)

2020: 156 events (EEI – RM66,214,470)

2021: 77 events (EEI – RM14,078,651)

2022: 281 events (EEI – RM375,906,541)

2023: 604 events (EEI – RM1,033,856,600)

 

20240731 132749
Chow congratulating Podim for being conferred the DJN award. On Chow’s left is Podim’s wife, Ruth.

 

Podim Hatia, the secretary of the Penang Masters Athletic Association, received the Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN). He was accompanied by his wife, Ruth Mary.

 

“I am grateful for being recognised for over three decades of athletic contribution, including serving as a technical official,” Podim, a 76-year-old executive secretary of The Stevedore Employers’ Association.

 

20240731 123428
Penang Art Society chairman Ong Kok Hua celebrates his conferment of Datoship (Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri) with Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng (third from left) and other well-wishers.

 

20240731 122948
PJM recipient Omar Ali, 62, in a group photo with his family members and friends.

 

The award ceremony was also witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and State Speaker Dato’ Seri Law Choo Kiang, and several other state leaders and dignitaries.

 

Most of the recipients enjoyed a joyful day as family members, friends and business associates presented them with bouquets and other gifts.

 

whatsapp image 2024 07 31 at 15.07.36
PUMM Penang State Liaison chairperson Ellva Tan Suat Hoon (sixth from left) in a group photo with friends after receiving PJK award.

 

20240731 123918(0)
Christene Leong Thye Hoe, recreation director of Global Federation of Chinese Business Women Penang, sharing her joy with her members after receiving the PJM award.

 

Story by K.H. Ong

Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar