THE state-level National Security Council (NSC) has rolled up its sleeves once again and is ever-ready for the continuous battle against the Covid-19 pandemic by lining up several important strategies.
Its Penang director Nazrul Fazami Mohamad said that one of the key strategies for this year is to focus on specific localities, districts and sub-districts that are greatly affected due to the unprecedented situation.
“We will identify hotspots and micromanage those areas with stricter standard operating procedures (SOPs). We will still give due importance to all areas, but greater attention will be on those areas that are badly impacted during this trying period.
“We will also look to tightening our relationship with various other agencies that play a key role in this issue.
“For example, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) are two key entities under the state government. So, a fruitful working relationship with them will contribute highly towards improving the situation,” Nazrul said when interviewed by Buletin Mutiara at his office (Mara building) in George Town today.
He also said in order to reach out to the public on a personal level, his team members themselves designed posters with encouraging words and constant reminders to not flout the SOPs.
“Our focus is mainly on food premises, public markets and areas that will usually see the gathering of people.
“Apart from that, news for the public through various digital platforms will be improved,” he added.
While new media provides news in a flash, Nazrul said the issue of fake and false news is still active in the society.
“When some news becomes viral, it may not necessarily be true. There are many reliable news sources out there; all we need is patience.
“For instance, one of the ways to consume reliable news related to Covid-19 is through the regular press statements issued by the Chief Minister on his Facebook page.
“The public can also get news from the NSC official website at https://www.mkn.gov.my/ or even NSC telegram as well as social media platforms,” he added.
The other important strategy, Nazrul said, is community empowerment.
“The Federal and state governments have introduced and implemented multiple initiatives in the span of a year or so, trying to contain and curb further spread of the infections.
“This year, we want to encourage local communities to engage in this effort to help assist the authorities in fighting this deadly virus.
“We hope people can come forward and be volunteers in their respective districts. We are currently discussing with all the district officers across the state on how to get the people involved,” Nazrul added.
The list of tasks that these volunteers will most likely undertake is providing advice regarding SOPs for those who would need it, safety inspection and organising new normal campaigns.
Separately, the National Security Council (NSC), which was established in 1971, celebrates its golden jubilee anniversary this year.
“The NSC consists of members who are directly appointed by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the immediate chairperson of the agency,” said Nazrul, who is now in his second year as the Penang NSC director. He had earlier spent 16 years working with the NSC in Putrajaya.
The state-level NSC chairperson is Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
When asked to comment about challenges that the NSC faces during this trying period, Nazrul said one of them is to handle difficult people who are still adamant about accepting the new normal, such as regularly wearing face masks, undergo temperature checks and so on.
“It is the new normal era we are all living in now and we have to accept it. I sincerely hope the people will continue to cooperate with the frontliners, who are just trying to do their job of safeguarding our safety and security,” he added.
Nazrul also extended his heartiest appreciation to all the frontliners, especially doctors, the state Health Department staff, police and so on.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal