For their heroic selflessness, they received the Fraser & Neave Out-Do Yourself Award, which aims to recognise many acts of the man-in-the-street, which unfortunately goes unheralded.
A bus driver rescues a trapped motorist from a burning car, two men save five girls from drowning and a young man who lost a leg to cancer scales the 20th highest mountain in the world.
Elsewhere, a woman, despite an impoverished background, works tirelessly to empower and unite indigenous people in her community, while a humble policeman shows true grit to emerge a world champion bodybuilder.
These are not scenes from Hollywood movies but true stories of unsung Malaysians who rose above the call of duty to perform extraordinary deeds, ranging from bravery, chivalry to civic consciousness to bring honour to the country.
For their heroic selflessness, these six Malaysians were today honoured at the 4th Fraser & Neave Out-Do Yourself Award (OYA), which aims to recognise many acts of the man-in-the-street, which unfortunately goes unheralded.
On May 9, last year, Aeroline bus driver Rahim Ibrahim, 40, single-handedly rescued a woman from a car which had crashed, was ablaze and had turned-turtle -- despite the obvious dangers, including probable explosion.
Having ensured the motorist was safe and received medical aid, Penang-born Rahim returned to the driver's seat so that the Aeroline passengers reached their destination as scheduled.
Nevertheless, "getting the award is not important but far more important is saving the woman's life," Rahim told reporters after the awards ceremony.
In Penang, a July 10 outing at Miami Beach for five girls from Tanjung Malim almost turned tragic when they got into difficulties while playing at sea.
Fortunately, fisherman Muhammad Daud Abdullah and his air-condition technician friend, Rakesh Sridaran, who were nearby, rushed to the girls' rescue when they heard cries for help.
All five were pulled to safety and resuscitated.
For Melvin Tong, it was all admiration at the awards ceremony. Despite having only one leg, he conquered Mount Kinabalu to raise funds for charity and create awareness on child abuse.
Having no prior climbing experience was not a deterrent to Tong, who gamely completed the climb in eight hours on April 20, last year through sheer grit and determination. He helped raise over RM100,000 for the Shelter Home.
Social activist Tijah Yok Chopil overcame all odds to become one of the most important voices and champions of her Semai community at Bidor, Perak.
Her tireless efforts resulted in the setting up of an organisation, Sinui Nanuk Sngik or SPNS, which runs classes for the community ranging from basket weaving to paralegal training on land rights.
SPNS eventually evolved into a network called the Village Network of Peninsular Malaysia Orang Asli involving seven states, which today is a powerful voice in championing orang asli rights.
While acknowledging the award, she said the orang asli should not be marginalised from mainstream development.
Sazali Abd Samad -- the six-time world bodybuilding champion and seven-time Mr Asia, took honours in sports for having achieved great heights through discipline, tenacity and love for what is surely a gruelling sport.
Malaysia's most successful bodybuilder, Sazali credits the support of his family, the Royal Malaysian Police, and the National Sports Council for his world-class achievements.
For their efforts, apart from a certificate, plaque and F&N products, the recipients received RM5,000 each while the group recipients of Muhammad Daud and S. Rakesh received RM2,500 each.
The awards were presented by F&N Holdings Bhd chairman, Tengku Syarif Bendahara of Perlis, Syed Badaruddin Jamalullail.
Also present were F&N chief executive officer Datuk Ng Jui Sia and former chief justice Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah who headed the panel of judges.
The awards were mooted back in 2008, in conjunction with the company's 125th celebrations, as part of its corporate social responsibility which saw 10 people receiving the awards so far.
