IN a bid to show moral support for traders, businesses and places of worship heavily impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today visited several iconic places located at the Unesco World Heritage Site in George Town.
Spending almost four hours during the heritage walkabout, Chow began the day by visiting The Church of The Assumption in Farquhar Street at about 9.30am.
Chow was also joined in the walkabout by state Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Wong Yuee Harng, MBPP councillor Alan Lim and GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee and her staff members.
Welcoming them was the Penang Catholic Diocese Bishop Rev Datuk Sebastian Francis, who briefed Chow on the church’s standard operating procedure (SOP) for worshippers to adhere as part of the guidelines for places of worship.
After his visit to the church, Chow walked to St George’s Church, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Masjid Kapitan Keling, Yap Kongsi and Cheah Kongsi, all of which were situated not far from each other.
Along the way, he stopped by some shops or stalls selling souvenirs and eateries to have some words with the operators.
Despite the humid weather, Chow remained in upbeat mood as he listened attentively to the side of their stories.
At a press conference at Cheah Kongsi in Armenian Street, Chow said it was important to let the people know that the state was with the community during this challenging period.
“We need to provide them support and morale boost during this time.
“Many of their businesses had suffered losses during this Covid-19 crisis. When I was walking along the way, I spoke to traders, restaurant owners, trishaw riders and art gallery owners. They told me they all felt the pinch.
“All of them hope that more tourists will visit the state after this,” he said.
Chow, however, advised the people not to be complacent but continue to follow the SOPs.
He hoped everyone would continue to wash their hands regularly and wear face masks.
Chow added that according to the health authorities, the chain of virus infection could be broken if everyone adhere to the SOPs.
“As efforts to find the vaccine is likely to take a long time, self-discipline is important to curb the virus now,” he said.
Hence, Chow advised food and beverages outlets to strictly adhere to the regulations while hoping that more businesses could be reopened soon.
He also hoped that Penang could be a role model for others to emulate as the state has been coping to the best of its ability in the past few months.
“I hope everyone will stay safe and won’t jeopardise our efforts in combating the virus,” he added.
Chow and his delegation then made a visit to the clan jetties in Weld Quay before proceeding for lunch.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud