THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) remains committed to doing everything it can to reduce the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on small and medium businesses in the state by embracing digitalisation.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said since last year, many initiatives have been introduced by the city council to help small traders and hawkers in sustaining their businesses by introducing several online platforms to market their products virtually.
“This is because we realise that it is imperative for them to adapt to the new normal by utilising the use of online platform.
“Digitalisation is the way forward nowadays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and also the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) that has affected many businesses.
“Realising that, we have introduced platforms such as Business From Home (BFH), Business From Farm (BFF), and Jom Beli Online, or JBO@MBPP.
“From these three platforms, JBO@MBPP is the most successful. It has recorded 325 registered traders who are currently using the online delivery platform to sell their food and products.
“Thus, this shows that it is the right time for us to use technology to boost e-commerce and also encourage the public to use cashless payment through eWallet and other gateways,” said Yew during an interview with Buletin Mutiara at MBPP office in Komtar.
At the same time, Yew said MBPP had also given four months of rental waiver last year to the 42 night market operators, including business premises under the city council.
“The rental waiver was part of our efforts to reduce their burden for we understand the plight that all these traders are going through during these trying times.
“And we will continue to help them with other forms of assistance this year. That is our commitment.
“One of them that has already been approved is the Penang People’s Aid Package 3.0 that was announced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in January this year.
“And I believe there is more to come. But I can’t reveal anything yet. Rest assured, we will try our best to help those who are affected,” he added.
When asked about efforts to flatten the curve of Covid-19, Yew said MBPP, together with the police and other agencies, consistently and continuously strives to ensure the public and business premises adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We do conduct checks regularly at the markets and other public places on the island to ensure everyone follows the SOPs.
“And so far I can say that the compliance rate is very good among the Penangites and we hope it will continue.
“As an additional precaution, all frequently touched surfaces in wet markets, hawker centres and public places are cleaned and disinfected regularly by MBPP workers to minimise the risk of infection,” he said.
Yew also added that the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras are also being used to ensure that the public comply with the SOPs to curb the spread of the virus.
“Through this method, MBPP is utilising the CCTV cameras to detect and track down those who do not comply with the SOP in public places.
“We can take faster action against those who refuse to abide by the procedures and laws. We are also working closely with the police to ensure public safety,” he added.
According to Yew, a total of 970 CCTV cameras have been installed on the island.
“More than 500 of these cameras are equipped with video analytics – a system that has a facial recognition feature.
“And for this year, we don’t have any plan to add any new CCTV cameras but instead we plan to enhance the current CCTV cameras to provide better outcome. That is the more important now,” he said.
The city council, Yew said, is also using other smart alternatives to encourage the public to abide by the SOPs.
“We utilise MBPP official social media page to spread the awareness of the virus.
“We also use the public address system (PA system) that has been integrated with the CCTV cameras and also use the city council vehicles with PA system.
“With this, it is easier for us to give advice or warning to those who try to violate the SOPs in public places,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan