A TOTAL of 3,291 individuals have participated in the Penang Covid-19 mass screening programme (PSC-19) since it was launched on July 5, according to state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Jagdeep said PSC-19 was initiated in Penang to stop the fast-spreading coronavirus among the community as the programme could help to separate the infected individuals from healthy individuals.
“I feel shocked to see the surge in the number of cases in our state as well as our country. Within these few days, the number of daily cases reported have entered five digits which has never happened before.
“Something must be done quickly to curb this situation as it is worsening. Thus, we are doing our part by conducting the PSC-19 programme.
“This programme will help us to identify the infected individuals and separate them from healthy individuals,’’ said Jagdeep during his visit to the screening centre at MBPP complex in Jalan Rajawali, Bayan Lepas today.
Jagdeep added that the screening programme goes hand in hand with the vaccination programme and urged Penangites to get themselves registered for vaccination.
“Penangites can always get the updates on the screening centres or our website ( https://penangsaring.selangkah.my/login)
“ We also hope that the Federal government would assist the state government in getting our people vaccinated as soon as possible,’’ said Jagdeep.
Meanwhile, Batu Maung assemblyman Datuk Abdul Halim expects some 600 individuals to participate in the screening programme which is currently happening at the MBPP complex in Jalan Rajawali.
“Since July 5 until July 9, our team from both the Batu Maung and Bayan Lepas service centres went on the ground to help and encourage the residents in the neighbourhood to register for today’s programme.
“We have also used our social media platform such as Facebook and WhatsApp to create awareness on the importance of this programme.
“And so far, in Batu Maung, we managed to register a total of 350 individuals as of yesterday (July 15) for the programme,” he added.
Abdul Halim also reminded the public to always follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
The PSC-19 is a free mass screening programme initiated by the Penang government for targeted community groups. It kicked off on July 5, involving all the 40 state constituencies.
The PSC-19 programme also will take place at SK Padang Tembak, Taman Ayer Itam tomorrow (Saturday); Mak Mandin Basketball Court in Gerbang Mak Mandin 2, Butterworth tomorrow (Saturday); Dewan MPKK Sungai Dua, Flat Hamna Desa Permai Indah on July 18 (Sunday); and the parking space in Jalan Perai Jaya 5, Bandar Perai Jaya on July 18 (Sunday).
Story by Riadz Akmal & Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting & Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi