PUTRAJAYA: "The war is still on and Health Ministry (MOH) personnel are the last line of defence to break the COVID-19 chain of infection. Let's battle on and give it our best shot to free the country from this pandemic."
This was the clarion call made by Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today when he visited MOH personnel at Hospital Putrajaya here on the first day of Aidilfitri.
It is routine for Dr Noor Hisham to go on Hari Raya Aidilfitri rounds to cheer up healthcare personnel as a sign of his support for frontliners.
"Healthcare personnel have been battling for a long time, almost 16 months. Most of us are mentally and physically tired, but if we do not help to break the COVID-19 chain of infection, many in the community will be infected with this virus," he told reporters after his visit.
He said MOH was prepared to face the latest wave of the pandemic which has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of new variants.
However, Dr Noor Hisham issued a friendly reminder to the people to stay at home if they have no important matters to attend to outside and to always abide by the standard operating procedure (SOP) to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Smartly dressed in a light grey baju Melayu, Dr Noor Hisham spent about 30 minutes at the hospital.
Meanwhile, an assistant medical officer at the hospital, Mohamad Zahir Omar, 27, said he was sad for being unable to celebrate Hari Raya in his hometown but was grateful for the opportunity to be of service to the country and the rakyat on this auspicious day.
"This is pandemic season and it is my responsibility to do my best to protect the health of the rakyat," said the youngest among six siblings from Tanah Merah, Kelantan.
Matron Kamsiyah Krosnin said she had worked on seven consecutive Hari Raya before but took it as a call of duty.
"Raya or no Raya, we are committed to our work and need to perform our task as rostered. We need to set aside our emotions for the sake of duty. The lives and health of individuals are important, especially during a pandemic," said Kamsiyah, who has been serving for 24 years.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu May 13 2021
It is routine for Dr Noor Hisham to go on Hari Raya Aidilfitri rounds to cheer up healthcare personnel at Hospital Putrajaya on the first day of Aidilfitri as a sign of his support for frontliners. -- BERNAMApic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.