THE Penang government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, has directed its full strength to fight the Covid-19 outbreak.
“We have started several initiatives to ensure that the people in Penang are well-protected. This is a matter of public health.
“This is for the future of Penang and its people. This is for the future of Malaysia and not a political issue.
“We just want to focus our strength to fight this Covid-19 outbreak,” Chow answered a journalist at a press conference in his office today.
The journalist had sought Chow’s comment regarding the Chief Secretary’s apology over the Covid-19 meeting invitation error.
It was reported that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had chaired a National Action Council meeting on March 17 without the presence of Chief Ministers and Mentris Besar from Selangor, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Penang and Sabah – states that account for about 40% of Covid-19 infection cases.
Later, Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Mohd Zuki Ali apologised in a statement for the error pertaining to the invitations for the special meeting to address the Covid-19 outbreak. Mohd Zuki was quoted as saying that only the State Development directors for the states of Selangor, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Penang and Sabah were invited to attend.
Mohd Zuki then said that Muhyiddin had issued an order for all Chief Ministers and Mentris Besar to be invited to attend the special meetings on Covid-19 in the future.
Meanwhile, Chow said the Penang government has given its fullest support to the state Health Department to fight the outbreak.
The state government presented 10 cartons of personal protective equipment (PPE), containing 280 surgical robes each, to the Penang Hospital during the press conference to protect healthcare heroes against the Covid-19 outbreak.
“We will continue to give our support to the state Health Department to ensure that there is sufficient equipment to fight this war against Covid-19; although the health sector is not under the jurisdiction of the state government.
“We appreciate the services of our (healthcare) heroes, who are the front liners, for protecting the people of Penang and Malaysia,” Chow said.
The Penang government had also set aside RM20 million for those likely to be impacted by the movement control order, especially small business operators and hawkers, to reduce their financial burden.
Chow said he had instructed the State Secretary to work on the preparatory steps to combat the outbreak.
“Among the measures are to ensure that Penang has enough facilities, such as isolation centres, to address the potential increase in the number of Covid-19 cases. Penang’s special task force was also informed of the latest preparations,” he said.
It was reported that Penang had set up a special task force, operated under the State Secretary, to address Covid-19 matters in Penang.
A website for the public to obtain the latest information on Covid-19 (www.PenangLawanCovid19.com) will be launched on March 19.
Chow appealed the public to heed the movement control order.
“Please obey the order for the benefit of the people and the country. We may have to pay a higher price if we are unable to achieve our objective to flatten the Covid-19 curve and be free of the disease.
“Please make personal sacrifice so that we can come out triumphant over the disease. Let us do it right the first time!” Chow said, responding to a question that many people are still disregarding the order by dining at eateries.
Chow also said that the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) had allowed companies producing essential goods to operate at a minimal level.
“Other factories or companies that are not given the exemption by MITI must obey the movement control order,” he added.
A statement has been issued by investPenang on the matter. It can be viewed at https://investpenang.gov.my/exemption-from-the-restriction-of-movement-order/
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alvie Cheng
Video by Chan Kok Kuan