The Penang Island City Council recipients are Asmadi Ishak, Mohamed Noor Ismail, Mohamed Rasull Sultan and Pathmanathan Balakrishnan, all from the Municipal Services Department.
GEORGE TOWN: Eight frontline municipal workers from the Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai City Council have been conferred the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat during this year’s Penang Investiture Ceremony in recognition of their dedication to public service.
The awards, presented in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib on Saturday, were to honour the workers whose efforts often go unnoticed despite playing an essential role in keeping Penang’s city councils running.
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“When people wake up to clean streets every morning, they seldom think about the men and women who worked through the night.
“This award is our way of saying that Penang sees them, values them and thanks them,” said state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye.
He stressed that the recognition acknowledges workers whose commitment and sacrifices often go unnoticed despite the important role they play in serving the public.
H’ng said the success of a local authority depends not only on its leadership, but also on the commitment, teamwork and dedication of employees at every level.
“The conferment is a high recognition of their service, sacrifice and dedication in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to them. It also proves that every contribution to the public service is appreciated regardless of position or job scope.”
He added that the award also recognises the recipients’ integrity, discipline, loyalty, commitment and sacrifice throughout their years of service.
The recipients are Grade H1 staff from the Urban Services Department, frontline operational workers who carry out 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult) duties for the local authorities.
The Penang Island City Council recipients are Asmadi Ishak, Mohamed Noor Ismail, Mohamed Rasull Sultan and Pathmanathan Balakrishnan, all from the Municipal Services Department.
Pathmanathan was unable to attend the investiture ceremony as he was on medical leave following an accident.
The Seberang Perai City Council recipients are Azizul Abdul Rahim and Basri Haron from the Municipal Services Department, Shafizal Mahmud from the Engineering Department, and Mohd Shamsol Shamsuddin from the Landscaping Department.
H’ng said the state government appreciates the contribution of every public servant regardless of rank or field of work, adding that every employee plays a part in Penang’s development and the delivery of public services.
He expressed hope that the recognition would encourage the recipients and other public servants to continue serving with dedication, professionalism and integrity while strengthening teamwork and maintaining high standards in public service.
Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Rajendran P. Anthony said he is proud that the state government has recognised the contributions of the council’s staff, especially its frontline personnel.
He said the conferment was a great honour that reflected the dedication and service of city council employees, especially those working in challenging conditions, highlighting that the recognition would inspire them to continue delivering excellent service to the people.
The investiture ceremony is held annually in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, during which state orders, decorations and medals are conferred on individuals in recognition of their contributions and service to Penang.
A total of 1,221 individuals were named to receive this year’s state honours. Of the total, 463 received the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat, including the eight municipal workers honoured for their frontline service.
