IT was a night dedicated for them.
Frontliners in Penang who have dedicated their services to fight the Covid-19 pandemic since last year, were in a celebratory mode today at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre during the appreciation dinner, courtesy of the Penang government.
A National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP) volunteer R. Sarviny, 26, said sleeping late and waking up as early as 5am because of her commitment was never an issue.
“All I wanted to do was to be part of an initiative that was meant to safeguard the people against the virus,” the Penangite who volunteered at the SPICE Convention Centre and SPICE Arena said.
Sarviny works as an administrative assistant at the Youth and Sports Department in Penang.
“I was in charge of scheduling and making sure the other volunteers were stationed at their designated areas, and that the flow was in order at all times.
“Although I ended my duty as late as 11pm or midnight at times, and had to wake up as early as 5am the next day, it wasn’t issue.
“I challenged myself to do it for the people of Penang.
“I wanted to help those eligible to get vaccinated and for Penang to achieve herd immunity soonest possible.
“The Penang government clearly appreciates its people, especially those who have contributed during the pandemic.
“Thank you for honouring us,” Sarviny told Buletin Mutiara during the state-level appreciation dinner for frontliners at Setia SPICE Convention Centre today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, as the guest of honour at the event, conveyed his deepest appreciation to all the frontliners.
“Although we are not fully out of the woods yet, it is fair that we organise this occasion to honour the groups of people who have played important roles during this unprecedented medical crisis.
“As a caring state government, we have always put the people first. It was proven when we introduced the Penang Fights Covid-19 campaign, an initiative that was purely implemented to support the lives and livelihoods of the people of Penang.
“Although you were all thrown with various challenges, apart from the ones you faced while being on the field working, all of you kept going without giving up.
“You are resilient and determined.
“Keep up the good work and let us all continue to serve the people of Penang with all that we have in us,” Chow said during his speech.
Chow presented certificates of appreciation to several state and Federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members from the private sector at the event. Those present were entertained by great performances by several groups of talented performers.
Among those who received the certificates were the Royal Malaysia Police, state-level Malaysian Armed Forces, and Malaysia Civil Defence Force.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Humaidi, 22, another volunteer who was stationed at several Covid-19 vaccination centres (PPVs) on the island, said he took up the responsibility because he wanted to encourage the people to receive their jabs.
“I saw a lot of anxious people when I volunteered at the PPVs. I wanted to calm them and I made them feel comfortable when they came for their appointments,” Ahmad said.
Another volunteer, Joanne Jeniece Ong, 30, said it was crucial for the public to step forward and lend hand to assist the medical staff in the fight to contain the spread of the virus.
“That was one of the reasons why I volunteered myself for this noble cause,” Joanne added.
Among those present during the event were State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alissala Thian