Social activist Lee Lam Thye regards the award given to him today in conjunction with the national level Maulidur Rasul 1441H/2019 celebration as a recognition of his  45 years of hard work and contributions in various fields to the country and society.

Lee, 73, who was among the four recipients of the national level Maulidur Rasul Award this year, said the recognition was given for his active involvement and contributions in instilling awareness among the people on the importance of safety.

"Recently, I set up a non-governmental organisation (NGO) called the Alliance of Safety Community (Ikatan) where my focus is on educating people from all walks of life so that they are more aware of safety.

"This award is a motivation for me to continue to work with Ikatan members and other NGOs, where I will also work together with government agencies and departments to continue to contribute to the community and the country,” he said.

He told reporters this after receiving the award from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at the national level Maulidur Rasul 1441H/2019 celebration in Kuala Lumpur today.

Lee said  improving safety in tahfiz schools was also on his list and would work with experts at Ikatan to share their knowledge and experience on safety aspects with tahfiz school operators

The other three recipients were academician Asma Ismail; the pioneer of Ibadah Friendly Hospital, Khalid Ibrahim; and humanitarian activist Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid. They each received RM20,000, a trophy and a certificate.

Syariah law expert, Daud Muhammad was named the recipient of the 2019 Maulidur Rasul Perdana Award.

Lee had served as chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health  (Niosh) and is currently the chairman of EcoWorld Foundation and University Student Volunteers Foundation (YSS).

He is also Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-president and the patron of Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA),  a member of the National Water Activities Safety Council (MKAA) and Mental Health Promotion Advisory Council and a trustee of the Malaysia Unity Foundation. - Bernama