Search lead vocalist Amy, whose full name is Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, was one of the award recipients in conjunction with the 73rd birthday of the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Melaka, Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam.
The 64-year-old singer was awarded the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (DPSM), which carries the title "Datuk". He was the only person from the entertainment industry to receive the award this year.
In an interview with a Malay portal, Amy stated that it was an honour to receive the award not only for himself but the entertainment industry as well.
"With this award, I now have more responsibility to set a good example. The award is also an acknowledgement that artistes have an important role to play in our economy," he told the portal.
"This award does not change the person everyone knows as Amy Search. I am still Amy Search, the singer and a player in the local music industry."
Amy, who started his career in the 1980s, has received many entertainment awards over the years and has had great success as a member of the rock group Search not only in Malaysia but also in Singapore and Indonesia.
The group known for the song Isabella (among many iconic numbers) is regarded by many as the greatest rock band in Malaysia.