Dr Noor Hisham receives ‘Ibn Khaldun Merit Award’ on behalf of frontliners

PUTRAJAYA: Exactly a year since the first movement control order was imposed in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia’s frontliners have been awarded the “Ibn Khaldun Merit Award” by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) for their services.

Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who is the chancellor of IIUM, presented the award to Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah who received it on behalf of all health and security frontliners in the country.

“I humbly accept this Ibn Khaldun Merit Award for Global Social Transformation, on behalf of all the medical and security agencies, who have shouldered the responsibility as frontliners, in recognition of their contributions and valiant efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic situation, ” said Dr Noor Hisham in a Facebook post.

Dr Noor Hisham said throughout the pandemic and the MCO implementation, Malaysia’s frontline workers have made “an extraordinary effort”.

“The conferment of this award marks the relentless struggle of our frontliners, in safeguarding the country’s well-being and security.

“All frontliners, in the health and security sector, play an important and key role in advising the government and the National Security Council in ensuring that the pandemic can be controlled and curbed.

“We do what is right for the country, we do what is right to protect our nation and to prevent more adverse effects of the pandemic.

“We all have to keep in mind that the health and safety of everyone should be everyone’s responsibility.

“We believe that we could not have done all of this without the full support of the people.

“Let us not forget as well, the sacrifices made by each and every family member of the frontliners, ” said Dr Noor Hisham.

The award was presented by the Queen to Dr Noor Hisham at a brief ceremony at IIUM’s International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) in Kuala Lumpur.