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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar