THE Penang government will be doing its best to ensure that there are sufficient number of face masks in the state.
In a live broadcast session on his Facebook page today, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government was well aware of the shortage of face masks in Penang and that the issue has become the main concern of the public.
“We will try our best to get adequate number of face masks and we will inform the public once we manage to get the supplies.
“For the time being, I urge the people to stay at home and limit their movements outside,” he said.
Apart from that, Chow said there were some decisions made during a special meeting with the National Security Council (NSC) pertaining to the fight against Covid-19 in Putrajaya yesterday. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
They are:
• Every chief minister and mentri besar from each state will be appointed as chairman of the State Security Special Committee. It will serve as the main committee for the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) at the state level. The chairman is capable of giving orders to the enforcement agencies during the MCO period.
• Secondly, the Prime Minister agrees that any factory that does not fall under the essential services category must be closed, in accordance with the MCO. Meanwhile, I urge those that fall under the essential services category to take the necessary preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. The state government will not hesitate to take stern action against those who did not obey the order.
• Third, the Health Ministry (MOH) has informed us that they have made proper preparation to ensure that the supply of medical equipment is enough.
• Fourth, the Prime Minister has also told us that the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will make sure that local manufacturers will be able to provide sufficient supply of face masks since the Government had banned the export of face masks now.
At the same time, the Federal Government will also seek further assistance from China to get additional supply of face masks from their local suppliers there.
On a separate note, Chow informed that starting from tomorrow (March 22), roadside hawking around market complexes in Ayer Itam, Bayan Baru, Jalan Perak and Jelutong would no longer be allowed.
“This is to ensure that people will abide by the MCO. The four areas mentioned are mostly crowded.
“Vegetable stalls around the Jelutong public market are allowed to continue their businesses since there are no vegetable stalls in the market complex,” Chow added.
Chow also announced that Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) would not carry out water meter reading operations during the MCO period.
For further info regarding the Covid-19, visit www.facebook.com/penanglawancovid19 or www.PenangLawanCovid19.com or call 04 – 262 1207 / 04 – 262 1819.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi