THE island province of China, Hainan, has contributed 30,000 medically certified face masks to the Penang government.
Consul-general of the People’s Republic of China in Penang Lu Shiwei said that despite the challenging period, the relationship between the Hainan province and Penang has only gotten better as the two work together to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The people of Penang have always shown great support to China and in return, we (Hainan province) will continue to cooperate in any way possible for the fruitful relationship to grow even better,” Lu said during the face mask handover ceremony at Komtar today.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said that Penang and Hainan province had previously established a ‘friendship city relationship’. The state and province had collaborated in various areas such as bilateral trade, cultural exchange, education and tourism.
“Due to the pandemic, several cultural exchange activities that were planned had to be called off as direct flights between Haikou city and Penang had been suspended.
“According to Hainan Airlines, direct flights between the state and province will most likely commence in 2021, given that the outbreak sees a speedy recovery.
“We (Penang government) hope that the pandemic will come to an end soon. We hope to accommodate direct flights to accelerate and promote tourism and trade economy between Hainan province and Penang,” Yeoh said after receiving the face masks on behalf of the state.
Yeoh echoed the state’s gratitude towards various organisations from public and private sectors for their continuous support during this pandemic. He also thanked the Hainan province government for the contribution of 30,00 face masks to the Penang government.
Also present was Penang Hainanese Friendship Association president Datuk Seri Choot Ewe Seng, who extended his greatest appreciation to the Hainan province government for its concern towards the state.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan