State pays tribute to frontliners

Saadon (blue shirt), Rohaizal (yellow shirt) and other firemen showing a certificate received from the state. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

THE Penang government held an appreciation dinner to recognise the contributions of frontliners who have been battling the Covid-19 pandemic for almost two years.

Over 500 guests were treated to a sumptuous biryani rice meal and entertained with dances and songs.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said although the country had not won the battle against the pandemic, the state felt it was necessary hold the event as a sign of gratitude for the frontliners who had worked hard in fulfilling their duties.

“Since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, we have faced massive challenges which involved drastic action taken by the Federal Government such as imposing the movement control order in March 2020.

“The leaders of the state and Federal Government have acted swiftly to manage the pandemic,” he said during his speech at the Penang Fight Covid-19 Frontliners Appreciation Dinner at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.

Chow said the state government implemented the Penang Fight Covid-19 campaign on March 16 last year as a quick measure to ensure the wellness of the people.

He later presented certificates to 38 state and federal government agencies as well as to 31 private companies and non-governmental organisations.

Among the frontliners who received the certificates were Penang police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Mokhtar, state Health Department director Dr Ma’arof Sudin, Malaysia Vaccine Support Volunteers (MyVAC) and One Hope Charity and Welfare.

Penang Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong was also present to receive a certificate on behalf of the society.

Fire and Rescue Department staff member Rohaizal Abdul Aziz, 41, thanked the state government for organising the event to honour all frontliners.

“It is good that the state remembers us and celebrates our dedication. We are grateful for that.

“We have been working hard during the pandemic for almost two years now.

“It is a very challenging situation that requires all our mental and physical prowess.

“Despite all that, firemen like myself will continue to work to ensure the people’s safety and health,” said Rohaizal, who is the department’s operation officer from the Bayan Baru fire station.

MyVAC volunteer Kuek Soon Wen, 20, said he chose to volunteer at vaccination centres to raise awareness about the importance of getting the vaccines.

“When I was volunteering, I met hundreds of people who had cold feet about getting the shots even after they had already signed up for them.

“As a volunteer, I had a responsibility to convince them that vaccination is necessary to protect them and their families,” said Kuek.

He is a university student who spent about five months volunteering at several vaccination centres.

Another volunteer, Ahmad Humaidi Abu Hanifah, 22, said that although he received a small allowance while volunteering at several vaccination centres in the state, the main reason he joined MyVAC was to help the public get their shots.

“My job was not only to help them fill up their paperwork but also to get them to understand why vaccination is so important,” he said.