CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow has appealed to Malaysians, in particular Penangites, to stay vigilant in the fight against Covid-19.
“We should not be complacent. We should continue to be resilient so that we can defeat Covid-19 as best as possible,” Chow told reporters after receiving a courtesy call by Lions Clubs in Region 1 (Penang Island) at Komtar today.
“Although we have witnessed that Malaysia has flattened the curve, we still record new Covid-19 cases daily. We need to be careful.
“I would like to remind the people that the Covid-19 threat is not over. We are still facing the pandemic.
“We can see from the many examples happening in other countries. They have reopened the economic and social sectors but are forced to lock down again after the Covid-19 cases re-emerged.”
Chow advised the public not to forget practising social distancing, wearing face mask, washing hands with soap or sanitising their hands, and watching out for Covid-19 symptoms. He said if anyone falls sick, the person should seek treatment at hospital or clinic.
Chow also revealed that the Penang Covid-19 Fund, which was launched in March, now stands at RM2,996,534.59.
He thanked all the donors and supporters, adding that those who wish to donate could do so via Maybank account number 5570 5462 0930.
In addition to the state government purchasing a total of six million pieces of face masks until today, Chow said the state government has also received a contribution of 527,210 face masks from various parties, including today’s contribution of 40,000 face masks from the Lions Clubs in Region 1 (Penang island).
So far, Chow said a total of 3,259,100 face masks have been distributed to the frontliners, rakyat, government agencies, schools and many others who are in need of them through the state representatives and members of parliament. Future distribution will be made from time to time.
D308 B2 district governor Datuk Yeoh Moh Chai, who led the Lions Club delegation, said 20 Lions Clubs chipped in to contribute the 40,000 face masks.
“I would like to thank the Penang state government for its dedication and commitment in managing Covid-19 and to keep Penang a green state,” Yeoh said.
“For more than 50 years, the Lions in Penang have taken on the challenges facing the local communities.
“The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, work and serve. Along with the Penang state government, the Lions Clubs in Region 1 came together to raise 40,000 face masks to contribute to the community.
“The face masks will be distributed at various marketplaces by the respective members of the Lions Clubs this Sunday (July 19).
“We’ve already identified our own places for the mass distribution (of face masks) with a message ‘Get Used to the New Normal’ by practising social distancing, avoiding crowds, wearing face masks and washing your hands often.”
The 40,000 face masks in 13,333 sets will be distributed at Rifle Range Market, Balik Pulau schools, Lip Sin market, Mount Erskine market, Cecil Street market, Light House – Penang Road, Jelutong market, Tanjung Bungah market, Lebuh Noordin flats, Taman Terubong Jaya market, Farlim wet market, Balik Pulau market, Batu Ferringhi market, Relau Sri Aman market, Batu Lancang market, Chowrasta market, and Campbell Street market.
Among the Lions Clubs members present were Ooi Chao Syhuan (council chair), Ong Hong Sing (cabinet secretary), Ooi Chee Beng (cabinet treasurer), Felix Chuah (global service team coordinator), Ricky Khoo Boon Hoe (Region 1 chair), Datuk Goh Eng Hoe and Vincent Yen Swee Foong.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad