KUANTAN: The city of Kuantan has won a World Health Organisation (WHO) award for its efforts in helping vulnerable urbanites during the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the award was under the "Reaching and engaging vulnerable groups for their care and protection during the Covid-19 pandemic" category.

       He congratulated the Kuantan City Council (MBK) that was led by mayor Datuk Hamdan Hussin for their success, being one of the two cities in the country that won the award.

       Kuching won the Healthy City Special Recognition award while the others - Songpa in South Korea won for the Air Pollution category; Shangrao, China for Healthy Ageing; Gangdong, South Korea for Nutrition; Obu, Japan for Physical Inactivity; and Baguio, the Philippines, for the Smoke-Free aspect.

       "Kuantan's success in winning this award follows MBK's efforts to implement a humanitarian project known as Kuantan Care for Urban Vulnerable Groups, which gives priority to three vulnerable groups in the city.

       "These vulnerable groups are the hardcore poor, the low-income B40 group, especially those renting in a residential area, as well as the vulnerable living in the city centre.

       "A total of 11,625 people were assisted, namely 6,679 recipients of food aid, 2,179 recipients of financial assistance, 1,907 recipients of health facilities, 730 recipients of educational assistance, 75 recipients of employment opportunities, and 55 recipients of accomodation," said Wan Rosdy on Tuesday (Nov 16).

       He said MBK was able to make this project a success as a result of the cooperation between the state government and state government-linked companies, as well as various parties including non-governmental organisations and businesses.

       "This special project underwent a series of discussions and studies in the field, in addition to receiving feedback from representatives of local residents.

       "The main focus is on food security, safe accommodation, access to health facilities, social and educational assistance, as well as financial assistance and employment opportunities.

       "With this latest award, I hope that the leadership and all officers and staff of MBK can continue to take various steps to further succeed in making Kuantan a glorious and comfortable city for its residents," said Wan Rosdy.