THOUSANDS of jobs are expected to be generated in Penang later this year and next year following the record performance of the state in attracting foreign investments in 2019.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said between 15,000 and 20,000 jobs would be realised in 2020 and 2021 in the state during a post Covid-19 discourse organised by Quo Vadis, Anak Muda Malaysia, with national DAPSY chairman Howard Lee as the moderator.
Two other state leaders – Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and the then Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir – took part in the 90-minute session on May 14 by sharing their struggles, achievements and innovative policies in addressing the impact of the movement control order (MCO) on their respective state.
Congratulating Chow for his second anniversary as the Chief Minister of Penang since his installation on May 14, 2018, Lee, who is also the deputy Pakatan Harapan Youth chief and Perak assemblyman for Pasir Pinji, asked Chow about the impact of Covid-19 on the state.
“In Penang, the twin engines of growth – industry and services – had both suffered a blow even before Covid-19 struck because of the US-China trade war,” Chow said over StreamYard that was broadcasted to the Pakatan Harapan, DAP Malaysia and DAPSY FB live. It was also shared live on Chow’s FB page.
“But I strongly believe that when we go through a crisis, we can also discover opportunities.
“I am happy that Selangor, Penang and Kedah finished as the top three in the country in terms of attracting foreign investments in 2019.
“The investments in Penang can generate between 15,000 and 20,000 job opportunities and we can realise this happening in 2020 and 2021.”
Chow said Penang is taking a ‘CARE’ approach with four objectives in facing the virus crisis.
The acronym CARE is: C for containing the pandemic, A for adapting the institutions, R for rescuing people and the economy and E for empowering the community.
Chow said Penang made a quick decision to ensure there were enough medical supplies like personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Penang Hospital and other frontliners, and also adequate quarantine facilities when the Covid-19 outbreak started.
Besides obtaining six million face masks from China for distribution, Chow said the state government received donations from private and corporate sectors for the healthcare personnel.
He said Penang has come out with “PgCare” application for contact tracing, just as Selangor has introduced “SELangkah” initiative.
Now, with the state allowing businesses to reopen, it is also how the government institution and society adapt to the new normal.
Because of the stalled economy during the MCO, Chow said the state allocated RM151 million in two stimulus aid packages to help improve the livelihood of the vulnerable and low-income groups in Penang.
“I must say the quick disbursement of incentives to the recipients is a proud achievement,” he added.
For empowering the community, he said without the involvement of the public, NGOs, corporate sector and frontliners, the state would not be able to achieve positive results.
He believes the fight against Covid-19 should be non-partisan, and that’s why the state government invited Opposition Leader Datuk Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor to join the state Security Council.
For Amirudin, he reminded the Selangor residents to be prepared for a ‘long haul’ in the battle against Covid-19.
“We’ve to accept this reality of the pandemic. According to the Health Director-General, it could take one or one and a half years. We’re not too certain; even the communication landscape has changed like we’re now doing virtual communication,” Amirudin said.
He added that Selangor was fortunate to have in their midst former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad whom he appointed to head the state’s Covid-19 taskforce.
Selangor has launched two stimulus aid packages with a total of about RM400mil.
The financial aid, Amirudin said, was to help the hawkers, morning and night traders, and farmers among others.
For Mukhriz, who appeared composed, he said the state has a bright future in the agricultural sector.
Kedah too has handed out aid to the poor and fishermen.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting