BORN with a visual impairment, Nordin Hanafiah has faced lifelong challenges with resilience and good humour.
In 2019, complications from diabetes led doctors to amputate his right leg.
Despite these hardships, the 61-year-old former telephone operator served as the warm, jovial voice greeting callers at Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) Komtar office for years.
He officially retired in August last year, and was among 60 retirees honoured at the MBPP Retiree Appreciation Ceremony and 2025 Excellent Service Awards (APC) held in George Town.
Each retiree received a certificate and RM600.
Throughout his 36 years of service with the local council, Nordin was also a three-time APC recipient, reflecting his long-standing dedication and commitment.
“I am deeply grateful to the council for this recognition. I hope my journey can serve as an encouragement and motivation for the younger generation at MBPP to work even harder and to give their best to the public, regardless of the challenges they face,” he said.
At the event, a total of 240 MBPP personnel also received the APC for 2025, with each receiving a certificate and RM1,000 in cash.
For council driver Abu Yazid Idris, his 18 years of service has been a calling and a responsibility to the city.
He recalled the severe freak storm in June 2013, when a lightning arrester and part of a concrete beam atop Menara Umno in Jalan Macalister toppled onto the road below.
The impact crushed passing vehicles and resulted in two fatalities, including a motorist buried in a crater.
“I still remember we had to be on standby there for four straight nights to support emergency teams,” said Abu Yazid.
“It was a critical situation, so we were there to help.”
A father of five and grandfather of one, he said the long hours and difficult conditions were simply part of the job in keeping Penang safe and forward moving.
V. Vikneswaren, 47, said he was happy to receive the award in recognition of his 16 years of service.
“It feels like an honour to me,” said the MBPP urban services employee, adding that the award would motivate him to continue improving his efforts in keeping the city clean every day.
Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the celebration reflected MBPP’s continued commitment to strengthening public service delivery.
He said MBPP had been steadily advancing its digitalisation and service transformation agenda through various online platforms designed to improve public convenience.
“This includes cashless payment facilities, online complaint management systems, licensing, development applications and other municipal services that can now be accessed more efficiently and quickly,” H’ng said in his speech.
He added that these initiatives were part of ongoing efforts to build a more responsive, efficient and people-friendly city administration.
