Awang Daud, 88, spent three years protecting the country against the communist threat during his youth. He joined the police force at the age of 22 in 1955. During the Malayan Emergency, he volunteered as a special constable alongside his cousin in Kampung Kechil in Kota Tinggi to fight the communists. They believed it was their responsibility to ensure the safety of those around them.
Awang Daud recalled an unforgettable incident in 1957 when he was involved in an operation to stop communist activities in their village. He went undercover with other policemen, and on the fifth day of the operation, a communist leader entered the house they were in. One of the officers managed to shoot him but the leader tried to escape. Awang Daud then hit him twice with the back of his gun, resulting in the leader’s death.
In 1958, Awang Daud left the police force and joined the army. His bravery was recognized, and he was among the 92 individuals who received the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara award from Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat in Johor Baru.
Hayon Togeh, who received the award posthumously, was honored for his service. His wife Fauziah Sulaiman, 72, received the award on his behalf. Hayon joined the force in 1969 in response to the recruiting of more policemen after the May 13 incident. He dedicated himself to his job and retired in 2004. Unfortunately, he passed away four months after retirement.
Fauziah, a retired nurse, expressed both sadness and pride over her late husband’s recognition. She said that Hayon was a lance corporal with the Johor police contingent and gave his heart and soul to his work.
