JOHOR BARU: Religious preacher Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, better known as Ebit Lew, has been given the National Youth Award 2020 (special category) for his charity work to help those affected by the movement control order.
Lew, whose efforts in distributing aid to Malaysians of all races went viral on social media, said:
“I always feel that I am old, and I believe that there are more people out there who have sacrificed themselves in combating the Covid-19 pandemic. I am just a small part in this battle, ” he said.
He reminded people to be always kind even if they were being criticised by others.
“We will leave this world to our kids, so be a good example. Leave them with all the goodness in the world, ” said the 36-year-old.
He received the award from Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday.
As for the recipient of the National Youth Award 2020 (female category), Nurliana Muhammad said she aimed to get more young people to venture into the gig economy.
Nurliana, 31, was recognised for her work in establishing an online platform that connects entrepreneurs with government-linked companies and the private sector.
Mohd Izzat Afifi Abdul Hamid, 31, was awarded the National Youth Award 2020 (male category).
He said he was humbled that his volunteering work for the community was recognised by the government.
“I have been involved with policymaking for youth at the national and Asean levels under the Scouts Association of Malaysia, ” he said.
Meanwhile, Norfarrah Syahirah Shaari, 32, who was born without arms, was awarded the National Youth Award 2020 (youth Covid-19 hero category) for her effort in sewing personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontliners using her feet.
“I really did not expect to be able to receive this award, ” she said.
She had helped to sew 232 PPE for Teluk Intan Hospital and the Teluk Intan clinic.
“I was told by a friend to take part in the work due to my sewing skills, ” she said.
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