After expressing his personal pride in the heroes clad in white and blue in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak earlier today, Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has himself received the recognition for his tireless efforts from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former prime minister expressed his words of appreciation towards Dr Noor Hisham via a 20-minute-20-second video recording and said that his tribute representing the general public and his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali.

In the video recording, posted on his Twitter account in conjunction with World Doctors Day celebrated yesterday, Dr Mahathir, who was sitting next to Dr Siti Hasmah, said the task of dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak was dangerous, and Dr Noor Hisham's willingness to lead the efforts was greatly appreciated.

"We are currently under attack from a devastating outbreak of COVID-19. Previously, other outbreaks were not as widespread as the COVID-19 virus.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham who seems to be working days and nights to ensure that all necessary actions are carried out by his officers," he said.

Dr Mahathir also extended his appreciation to all Ministry of Health (MoH) officials for their efforts and sacrifices.

Earlier, in a posting on his Facebook account, Dr Noor Hisham said every health officer both in the public and private sectors had shown a high level of commitment and made the best possible effort in addressing COVID-19 outbreak.

In appreciation of their dedication and sacrifice, Dr Noor Hisham has expressed his personal pride in the heroes clad in white and blue who have faced the global pandemic and declared them amazing.

Dr Noor Hisham, who is also a surgeon, was given the title of 'national hero' by Malaysians on social media for his commitment in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, but he said the title was not important to him as his priority was to ensure the best MoH service to the people and the country.

-- BERNAMA