THE tallest skyscraper in Penang will be lit up in green, yellow or red for two hours daily until end of this month to show the Covid-19 situation in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Komtar tower would be illuminated from 8pm to 10pm daily, from June 12 until June 30.
“The colours (green, yellow and red) symbolise the Covid-19 status in the state, according to the standards set by the Health Ministry.
“This serves as a public communication effort as we move forward under the recovery movement control order (RMCO),” Chow said during the lighting ceremony in Magazine Road on June 12.
Chow said the initiative was a movement that emulated Osaka, Japan.
The Tsutenkaku Tower and Tower of the Sun were lit up in green to symbolise that the prefecture has met the criteria to lift its business closure requests.
“In view of our long-standing relationship with Japan, the Penang government is taking this approach to raise awareness among the public.
“It serves as a reminder for the people to be vigilant and careful. Everyone must continue to adhere to the SOPs and guidelines for Penang to retain its green zone status.
“We hope that the Komtar tower will be lit up in green throughout the month, as an indicator that we are free from the Covid-19 outbreak.
“We want to keep Penang as a green zone state,” Chow said while thanking the contributions of the frontliners and the rakyat.
He also thanked state Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and the consul-general of Japan in Penang Shinichiro Kanoya for initiating the project.
Chow urged everyone to be part of the mission to keep Penang and their loved ones safe.
Kanoya congratulated the state for successfully achieving the green zone status since May 8.
“Thank you for taking various measures to keep Penang safe for the people. There are about 3,000 Japanese living in Penang.
“They enjoyed a safe environment in Penang during this Covid-19 crisis.
“With regard to the lighting up of Komtar, I believe that this is the first ‘Osaka model’ practised outside Osaka,” Kanoya said.
He hoped that Japan and Malaysia would prevail in their battle against Covid-19.
“Penang is doing very well under the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. I believe that the state can continue to maintain its green zone status with the help of the people.
Also present were Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Chan Kok Kuan
