Noor Hisham was regarded as a national hero when the country faced the Covid-19 pandemic.

He was among those at the forefront conveying the latest developments and announcing the government’s efforts in curbing the spread of Covid-19 in the country.

“I’ll take a rest first,” he said when met by the media after clocking out at 4.17pm on his last working day at the ministry today.

Noor Hisham was accompanied by health minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, deputy health minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni and ministry staff, who were present to bid farewell and wish him a happy retirement.

“Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly. The number of Covid-19 cases has also been reduced and we are able to keep the situation under control.

“Yes, I have been looking forward to retiring,” he said.

Zaliha expressed her appreciation to Noor Hisham for his 35 years’ of service and contribution to public healthcare in a Facebook post.