PUTRAJAYA: A 63-year-old gravedigger today received the Special Frontliner Award in conjunction with the Federal Territory's Maal Hijrah celebration.
However, Roslee Ali, a gravedigger with the Taman Selasih Raudhatul Sakinah Muslim cemetery in Gombak, did not manage to get a day off to relish his excitement of receiving such an honour.
He had to immediately returned to work.
"Although I am excited for receiving the award, I could not afford to take a day off and rest since the number of Covid-19 fatalities continue to increase.
"I must continue to discharge my duties and responsibilities entrusted to me.
"Nevertheless, I am thankful for the award. Never had I imagined being named as the recipient of a major award like this throughout my journey as a gravedigger," he said.
Roslee, who is the father of six, said he was shocked after his friends and colleagues relayed the news to him.
"Such an award is not only a recognition to me but also my friends who are also gravediggers.
"The award recognises our contribution to the society and it will definitely encourage us to work harder in providing the best services to the community," said Roslee, who is residing in Taman Sentul Utama with his children.
He also thanked the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) for naming him as the recipient of the special award, which he dedicated it to his late wife, Rosnah Ahmah.
Together with his colleagues under Jawi's management, Roslee said he has helped to manage thousands of graves.
"The number of people dying from the virus continues to increase since the pandemic hit the country last year.
"At times, my friends and I had to work additional hours to ensure the burial ceremony could be done immediately.
"There were times when I was worried about the risk of managing the remains of people dying from Covid-19. However, as a Muslim, I believe that death can approach at any given place and time.
"Nevertheless, I did not neglect safety measures and have always complied with the standard operating procedures (SOP) when performing my duties," he said.
His selection as the recipient of the special award was announced by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.
Roslee, who is a grandfather to 16 grandchildren, received a cash prize, a certificate and a plaque.
The recipients of the awards were chosen based on a slew of criteria including leadership and exemplary skills as well as their contribution towards the community, organisation and the state.
Armed Forces Religious Corp (KAGAT) director-general Major-General (Rtd) Datuk Kamarudin Mamat was named the recipient of the main Tokoh Utama award.
Other awards recipients included Labuan Health Department director, Dr Ismuni Bohari, who received the Tokoh Frontliner 1 award.
Ramly Food Processing Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Ramly Mokni was named as the Tokoh Korporat corporate award recipient while the Tokoh Pendakwah Kreatif award went to TV3 personality and host Ahmad Fedtri Yahya.
Nur Maisarah Leong Yoke Keen, who is attached with the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), was named the recipient of the Tokoh Mualaf award.