THE Penang government has directed Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and investPenang to check with the manufacturing industry whether they could increase their production capacity to help in the battle against Covid-19.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state is a global manufacturing hub.
“We have many highly-skilled workers and a good pool of knowledge.
“We believe that we can position ourselves as the main manufacturing centre for medical supplies (such as face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and hand sanitisers) in our fight against the Covid-19.
“The Penang government wants to assist the frontliners to combat the Covid-19 infection.
“We hope that we can grow stronger in the medical supply sector, which in turn, provides job opportunities and generates income for the people,” Chow presented his Chief Ministerial statement during the State Legislative Assembly sitting in Dewan Sri Pinang today.
Chow said that the session must be held within six months (after the last sitting was held), in accordance with the state’s constitutional requirements.
He added that the state would also work harder to ensure adequate food supply for the people during the long battle against the Covid-19.
“The Penang government is getting ready for the ‘next normal’ after the movement control order (MCO) period. We encourage the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry to be innovative and prepare the people for it.
“We hope that the Federal Government will share our vision and look at the values we have to assist our country.
“The Penang government promises to implement economic reforms by encouraging the usage of digital platform; and to intensify efforts to draw foreign and domestic investments to increase job opportunities post-Covid-19 infection period,” he said.
He added that the hygiene aspect must be prioritised in the post-pandemic era.
“It will need a ‘whole-of-society’ effort through a Cleaner, Healthier and More Caring Penang to achieve this aspect.
“The state, through the two city councils, will double its efforts to ensure the cleanliness of public spaces for the people to enjoy a healthy life,” he said.
Chow said that many health experts were of the opinion that the spread of the Covid-19 infection could last for at least another 18 months.
“We have to adapt to the situation as many things are set to change – the people’s lifestyle, businesses and the way the Government governs.
“We have to look at the potential of digitalisation and maximise the usage of technology such as Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence,” he said.
Chow thanked the frontline heroes who have been working tirelessly to contain the coronavirus.
He also thanked the community for all the contributions given to assist the frontliners.
“We have been receiving continuous assistance – in cash, food and essential equipment – from the public.
“We thank all of you.
“Generous donors have contributed RM2,408,268.73 to the Penang Covid-19 Fund to date. The fund was set up to receive donations to help the needy,” he said, adding that the state does not need to declare an enhanced movement control order (EMCO) in any of the locality in Penang at the moment.
Chow also spoke about the RM75 million Penang People’s Aid Package that was launched on March 25 to reduce the financial burden of the rakyat.
The State Legislative Assembly also observed two moments of silence to pay its respect to those who have passed on due to the deadly Covid-19 infection, to the Covid-19 victims currently receiving treatment, and to the late Siti Faridah Arshad (former Teluk Bahang assemblyman) who had passed away recently.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alvie Cheng