THE Penang government, in its efforts to educate the public to comply with the movement control order (MCO), has placed public service announcement (PSA) billboards statewide.
It is understood that about 150 PSA billboards have been placed at strategic locations on Penang island and Seberang Perai.
The billboard installation works have started in Penang island since yesterday (March 26) and in Seberang Perai today.
In Seberang Perai, the first billboard was set up at the Kepala Batas wet market.
It is also learnt that the billboards would be installed at 40 strategic locations in Seberang Perai.
Some of the billboards contain a well-illustrated infographic about the preventive measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 while others carry a strong message to remind the public to limit their movements outside during the MCO period.
Among the messages are ‘Balik Rumah Sekarang’ and ‘Tapau Balik Makan Di Rumah’.
Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Fahmi Zainol said the installation of the billboard was in line with the ‘Penang Fight Covid-19’ campaign that was launched by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on March 16.
“It is a good initiative and an effective approach taken by the state government. The strong messages on the billboards are to remind the public to work together and prevent the spread of the disease.
“The messages shown also are short and easy to understand by everyone.
“At the same time, the billboards also serve as an effective medium to deliver the right information about Covid-19 and MCO enforcement. This is especially helpful to those who live in the rural areas and may have some limitations in getting the right information.
“Thus, it will make them to become more alert about the current situation that we are facing.
“Therefore, I commend and fully support such initiative by the state government,” Fahmi said when contacted today.
Customer service executive Nor Azwina Shah Bodin, 32, expressed hopes that the PSA billboards about the Covid-19 would increase the MCO compliance rate among the people in Penang.
“Usually, I can see from my house that people still go out from their homes with no important purposes such as to smoke while chit-chatting with their neighbours and doing other unnecessary activities. All of this will increase the risk of infection.
“Thus, I hope the PSA billboard about Covid-19 will give them some sort of reminder to stay at home during the MCO period,” she said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud