Cancer Survivor Creates History as First Lady Council Secretary

The Ipoh City Council (Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh) set a precedent by appointing a woman as its secretary. Zuraina Kamarul Ariff, former MBI Director of Infrastructure & Planning is the 12th Council Secretary effective 1st July, 2020 to succeed Mohd Zakuan Zakaria. The appointment ceremony was conducted at the Ipoh City Council office yesterday morning.

According to Ipoh City Mayor YBhg. Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, Zuraina’s appointment to run one of the highest public offices reflects the appreciation for women by the Council as well as the Perak state government, as her appointment was approved by the Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal Dato’ Haji Azumu.

Dato’ Rumaizi added, “Zuraina’s resilience should be exemplified by all women in Malaysia. Cancer did not prevent her from pursuing her ambition to invest in Ipoh and her citizens.”

Zuraina, 59, has extensive experience in the administration of the Ipoh City Council, having served for thirty years since 15th November, 1990. She began her career with MBI as an engineer (J3), before being promoted to Director of City Engineering (J48) in 2011, and subsequently Senior Director (Infrastructure Operation) (J52) in 2018.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Middlesex University, London, as well as Master of Science (Project Management) from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang.

According to Dato’ Rumaizi, Zuraina’s expertise and experience make her the right choice for the role to assist in improving the quality of services in the development of MBI.

Zuraina was diagnosed with second stage tongue cancer in April 2013, forcing her to go on medical leave for 2.5 years for treatment. Sharing her experience, she said, “I have successfully completed the necessary treatment in 2018. MBI has always provided me with full support and encouragement during my fight against the disease, which I had thought would end my career.”

During the ceremony, cancer support group, Persatuan Pink Champion Perak presented Zuraina with the Iron Lady Award 2020, in recognition of her victory against cancer, her selfless effort and contribution towards empowering women, community and humanitarianism.

Congratulations to Puan Zuraina on her achievement.