KUALA LUMPUR: Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa today thanked Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah for his 35 years of service and contribution to public healthcare.

Dr Zaliha said Dr Noor Hisham recorded several engagements and achievements both locally and globally during the period and his tenure was fully utilised to build a resilient healthcare system for Malaysians to be on par with foreign countries.

"Celebrating Health director-general,Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah's retirement. This ceremony is to honour and to express gratitude for the dedicated service that Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham has given throughout his time with the ministry.

"I am confident that Tan Sri's service will not end here. In fact, his expertise is still needed for the development of national health and medical practice.

"On behalf of MOH, I would like to wish happy retirement and express our deepest appreciation to Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham for his service, dedication and contribution to the ministry," she said in a post on Facebook today.

Dr Noor Hisham, who was regarded a national hero when the country was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic will retire this Friday after over three decades of government service.

Dr Noor Hisham was also recipient of the 1442H/2020 Tokoh Maal Hijrah award at the national level.

-- BERNAMA