ELECTRICAL and electronics stores and laundry shops that have applied to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and obtained the approval to operate can run their businesses in Penang from 8am to 8pm daily, starting tomorrow (April 24).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the state Security Special Committee (Penang JKKN) has decided to allow these additional sectors to operate by adhering to the tightened conditions set by the Federal Government.
“The decision was made during the Penang JKKN meeting this morning,” he told the public via Facebook Live today.
Chow said the state government would ensure that the Muslim community could fulfil their religious obligations in the best situation possible.
“The holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin tomorrow (April 24).
“The feeling of Ramadan may be different this year due to the movement control order (MCO), but it is embraced and appreciated wholeheartedly.
“The state local councils have initiated the Jom Beli Online@MBPP and e-Bazar Ramadan to help Ramadan bazaar traders and hawkers in their businesses, besides meeting the needs of the consumers.
“I was told by Deputy Chief Minister I and Penang Islamic religious Council (MAINPP) president Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman that there would be no breaking of fast events and tarawih prayers with the public in any of the mosques or suraus in Penang. The decision had taken into consideration the safety factors.
“The Muslims are being told to conduct the tarawih prayers at home. However, zakat (tithes) contributions and distributions to the asnaf (tithe recipients) and the needy communities will be continued during Ramadan,” he said.
Chow urged non-Muslims to assist and care for their Muslim friends as they observe fasting during Ramadan.
“Help our Muslim neighbours by creating a better atmosphere for them to observe fasting,” he added.
He also stressed that the people must continue to abide by the MCO and push towards zero new Covid-19 cases.
After the press conference, the Penang government thanked Best Group (mm2h) Sdn Bhd for contributing RM150,000 to the Penang Covid-19 Fund.
The company president Datuk M.K. Kung represented the company to hand over the cheque to Chow.
The company also presented a RM30,000 cheque to the state, which is to be donated to Lam Wah Ee Hospital.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi