IPOH: For years, security guard R. Yogeswary has been going about her duties at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital here, ensuring the people around her are happy.
The 44-year-old mother of two ensures smooth traffic flow, helps the disabled, and makes sure those on wheelchairs get in and out of their vehicles safely.
She is a familiar face who greets everyone, asks about patients’ well-being and is always there with a smile despite her 12-hour daily shift.
Her kindness and selflessness has not gone unnoticed. In fact, it went viral after a video of her helping patients and visitors was put up on social media.
In March this year she received the “Sejahtera Wanita Award” in-conjunction with the state-level Women’s Day celebration from Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Now, she has received even greater recognition. She has been bestowed the Pingkat Pangkuan Negara by the King and would receive her award on Dec 19 at Istana Negara.
When told about it, she was speechless.
Yogeswary said she had never even dreamt of receiving such an award personally from His Majesty.
“I really cannot believe it. I am happy, excited, but at the same time anxious as well.
“Helping people open car doors, holding the lift for patients and staff, calming anxious patients, and directing traffic, is all part of my responsibility.
“Earlier I was stationed at the hospital’s Women, Children and Cardiology complex, where I used to see a lot of mothers and their babies.
“Now, I am based at the daycare treatment complex, where I meet a lot of disabled patients who come in for rehabilitation, and surgeries,” she said when met at the hospital yesterday.
Yogeswary said that every morning before starting work, she would listen to prayer verses on her mobile phone, to keep herself calm and happy throughout the day.
“I know people that come to the hospital are already anxious, worried, and scared, and that is why I try small talk.
“If I can make a person feel better, why not?
“If doing small things like opening the car door, holding the lift, and just saying good morning helps,” she added.
Yogeswary is now planning for the big day and is ready to get two pairs of baju kurung on her next day off day – one for the rehearsal and one for the investiture ceremony.
“I have never been to Kuala Lumpur before, and I will be driving with my sister who will keep me company,” said the woman from Gerik.
Yogeswary has also been rewarded in other ways. Many times at restaurants, she would bump into patients who insist on paying for her meal.
“I feel shy, because this is happening very often. I don’t want people to keep paying for my meals,” she added.
Yogeswary has also been honoured by her employers United Security Services Sdn Bhd. The company’s manager Yusni Zam presented her with cash and an appreciation letter.
Yusni said Yogeswary was an example to the staff.
“She is an excellent worker, and we always receive positive feedback about her,” she added. Exemplary approach: Yogeswary talking to a colleague over a walkie-talkie at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
