THE launching of the Penang state-level Family Day 2020 celebration was conducted online for the first time under the new normal as large gathering is currently prohibited to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, speaking via a Zoom webinar from the operation room in Komtar this morning, said everyone’s routine has changed almost 100 percent since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
He recalled that the state-level Family Day celebration held at Dewan Budaya in Universiti Sains Malaysia last year was very encouraging.
“But this year, the freedom we have now is limited to ensuring that we all control the spread of the virus since the implementation of the movement control order in March,” said Chow in his opening speech.
“Although it cannot be held in a big way, the situation cannot impede Penang from promoting family values to build a prosperous, peaceful and progressive society.
“The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Families Respect’ which is a fundamental value in building a happy family.
“To raise happy families is the primary effort of the state government’s Penang2030 vision for a ‘Family-focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
Chow said during the MCO, many outdoor activities and food hunting for pasembor, laksa, char koay teow, cendol and teh tarik, had been forced to stop.
He added that it was our responsibility to stay at home with our family members as all outdoor activities were forced to be held indoor where possible.
The number of customers at each dining table, he said, has also to be limited and all are encouraged to go for ‘takeaway’ food or make ‘online delivery’.
Chow said some people have asked whether things would return to as before and the answer to that is “this is now the new normal”.
“The responsibility falls on every person to observe social distancing. That is the best ‘vaccine’ at this time. Remember social distancing is the best ‘vaccine’ to overcome Covid-19,” Chow stressed.
He also said he was proud of Penangites for obeying the standard operating procedures under the new normal to achieve zero Covid-19 case for 46 days in a row.
The state-level Family Day celebration is organised by the state government through the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC).
Also present at the Zoom webinar were state executive councillor Chong Eng, who is in charge of the state Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness & Religions Other Than Islam, and PWDC chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
Chong Eng said in establishing a happy and harmonious family, husbands and wives are equal partners.
“Both parents share the roles and responsibilities in the development of the family. The involvement of all family members, including the children, in the day-to-day activities can foster and deepen family relationships.
“We should spend quality time with family members and when with family members, focus on them.
“Let’s not sit at a dinner table but everyone is busy with a cellphone. Have mutual respect. No mobile phones at dinners so that we have the opportunity to talk and have fun,” Chong Eng said.
She added that several activities have been lined up for the state-level Family Day celebration.
The activities include a “Family Expedition Kit” to encourage family interaction, pop quiz every week and photo contest (Celebrate Family: Capture a beautiful moment) and learn to make origami together with PWDC.
Chong Eng said in addition to that, the Women and Family Development Committee (JPWK) would also carry out their respective activities in all the 40 constituencies throughout the campaign.
For those who are interested in learning about each programme, click on the Family Day 2020 calendar on the PWDC Facebook page.
Among those who took part in the Zoom webinar today were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto, Seberang Perai City Council president Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alvie Cheng