As a non-profit voluntary organization in Malaysia and elsewhere in the world, the St. John Ambulance movement relies on the valuable time and selfless efforts of its members and officers in promoting its aims and values. Many of our members have served the organization and country since their school days and continue to serve till today.
In 1997, the National St. John Council of Malaysia instituted eight SJAM awards in recognition of members’ and officers’ contribution to the organisation:
The Setia Utama award is conferred on senior officers and individuals of the highest standing in society who have contributed excellent and outstanding service. The recipient of this award should possess influential, noble and respectable status in society. This award is limited to ten living persons.
This Category 1 award consists of a sash or broad riband in SJAM colours with a Setia Utama badge hung at the end of the sash. The sash is worn from the right shoulder across to the left hip. The Setia Utama star is worn on the left pocket or similar position on a ceremonial uniform or jacket. On Duty uniform, a ribbon consists of SJAM colours and three gold stars and is worn above the left pocket.
The Bakti Perkasa award is conferred on officers and individuals who hold high status in society and have contributed excellent service. This award is limited to thirty living persons. This Category 2 award consists of a ribbon in SJAM colours with a Bakti Perkasa badge hung at the end of the collarette. This award is worn around the neck. On Duty uniform, a ribbon consists of SJAM colours and two gold stars and is worn above the left pocket.
The Jasa Gemilang gold medal is conferred on SJAM officers and individuals who have contributed unique and valuable service to the organisation.
This Category 3 medal consists of a gold medal suspended on a straight SJAM ribbon. This medal is worn above the left pocket. On a Duty uniform, a ribbon consists of SJAM colours and one gold star and is worn immediately above the left pocket.
The Jasa Cemerlang silver medal is conferred on SJAM officers and individuals who have contributed outstanding service to the organisation.
This Category 4 medal consists of a silver medal suspended on a straight SJAM ribbon. This medal is worn above the left pocket. On Duty uniform, a ribbon consists of SJAM colours and one silver star and is worn immediately above the left pocket.
The Jasa Terpuji bronze medal is conferred on SJAM officers and individuals who have exhibited competence and undertaken praiseworthy deeds. The recipient must possess good character and be of good conduct.
This Category 5 medal consists of a bronze medal suspended on a straight SJAM ribbon. This medal is worn above the left pocket. On Duty uniform, a ribbon consists of SJAM colours and one bronze star and is worn immediately above the left pocket.
SJAM commemorates its one hundred years in Malaysia by issuing SJAM Centenary Medals to all qualified officers, members and members of the public who have made significant contributions to the organisation.
The SJAM Centenary Medal is issued as a gold or silver medal. On the obverse is the stylistic SJAM centenary celebrations logo at the centre with the “St. John Ambulans Malaysia” and “Ulang Tahun ke-100” encircling the logo. On the reverse, the Order of St. John emblem which represents the association of the oldest living Order with this hundred year old organisation in Malaysia.
The ribbon is made up of two equal width black stripes at each side of two yellow stripes. The white centre stripe represents the colour of the St. John Cross and the purity of those who served under the name of St. John Ambulance, and together with the black stripes signify our continuing lineage with the Order of St. John, the world’s oldest living Order and brotherhood of St. John.
The yellow colour represents the colour of the Royal Patron, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Sultans and the Yang di-Pertuas Negeri, from whom SJAM officers and members continue to receive undivided support and under whose auspices the officers and members serve.
The thin red stripe signifies a bond between the carer and the sick and injured for whom the former, for the last hundred years in Malaysia, has sacrificed his/her time, and has been and will ever be ready to serve in time of peace and war.
The silver medal is awarded to all members and officers who have served efficiently for at least ten years and up to nineteen years. Members of the public who have made significant contributions to St. John Ambulance can be nominated by the respective State/Regional Commander to receive the silver medal.
Officers and members who have served efficiently for twenty years or more are awarded the gold medal.
On Duty Uniform, both gold and silver medal recipients can wear the SJAM Centenary Medal 35mm ribbon. Gold medalists will wear a gold star.
On Mess Kit, a miniature gold or silver SJAM Centenary medal is worn on the left lapel.
In 2004, the National St. John Council of Malaysia introduced the Five Years Service Medal to recognise members and officers who have performed efficiently for at least five years. This medal was introduced in recognition of the efficient service of SJAM members and officers who have been diligently discharging their duties. This award precedes the Service Medal of the Order of St. John, which is awarded for ten years active and efficient service.
The medal is made from nickel silver and has a diameter of 35mm. The St. John Ambulance of Malaysia device is prominently featured at the centre of the medal with the “Pingat Perkhidmatan 5 Tahun” on top and “Perkhidmatan Bagi Manusia” at the bottom, encircling the emblem.
The Commander-in-Chief’s Award is presented by the Commander-in-Chief to individuals who exhibit outstanding qualities and who have given remarkable service to SJAM. The award was first presented during the 2003 National Conference in Genting Highlands. For the first time in 2007, the Commander-in-Chief‘s Award was given to a St. John Ambulance unit. The recipient was SJAM Kawasan Pantai Selangor in recognition of its outstanding community service.
