On duty: L/Kpl Mohd Safwan and his colleagues working at the Seberang Jaya police station. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
BUTTERWORTH: Health and safety of the community remain the priority for frontliners even though the Covid-19 pandemic has eased up.
Nurse Mazlina Razali, 41, said although Covid-19 is no longer a worry, the increase in the number of patients at Hospital Seberang Jaya has become a concern of late.
“Besides the more common symptoms like flu and fever, there are many who are down with high blood pressure and diabetes.
“Our concern is not because our work has doubled, but people nowadays seem to lack health awareness that leads to unhealthy lifestyle.
ALSO READ: Expert: MTUC tussle has defanged labour movement
“The type of food they eat and the time they eat, especially late night and in the wee hours – it is so unhealthy,” she said, adding that she felt mentally exhausted at times looking at the high number of patients at the hospital.
“I hope the government could upgrade the facilities at all government hospitals and clinics, and train more healthcare personnel to cater to the higher number of patients.”
The single mother from Kepala Batas said in conjunction with Labour Day, she hopes the public will pay more attention to their health by leading a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy food.
L/Kpl Mohd Safwan Azim, 28, said although Covid-19 is no longer a threat, there are other challenges to deal with, such as combating fake news on social media that can disrupt social harmony.
“Cyber crime has evolved over the years. As a policeman, my job has become more and more challenging too,” he said, adding that he hopes to improve the overall police image through excellent service to the community.
L/Kpl Mohd Safwan said he also wants career progression by taking up a bachelor degree course at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
“Besides policing duty, I also want to improve myself and become a better police personnel,” he said.
Single mother R. Kunawati, 53, who has been a cleaner at Hospital Seberang Jaya for the past four years, loves her job as she feels she is contributing to society in her own way.
“Most people wouldn’t want to be a cleaner, as the job is dirty and tiring. But for me, this is a noble job.
“I clean the surroundings to make people’s life better,” she said.
Kunawati said all occupations, regardless of societal perceptions, contribute to the betterment of the communities.
She said it underscores the significance of recognising and valuing the role of cleaners in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all.
“My Labour Day wish is to see a salary increase as the cost of living nowadays is too high.
“I only earn a monthly salary of RM1,500, and with some overtime claims, my income could reach RM2,000. Everything is so expensive now,” she said, adding that she works on public holidays and weekends too.
