THE civil servants under the Penang government have been told to work from home.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the state would heed the movement control order as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on March 16.
“All civil servants under the Penang government, except those providing essential services, can execute their duties from home during the movement control order period from March 18 to March 31.
It was reported that essential services include water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, post, transportation, water services, oil, gas, fuel, broadcasting, financial, banking, health, pharmacy, the Fire and Rescue Department, prisons, ports, airports, security, defence, cleaning, retail and food supplies.
“It is not a holiday. Civil servants need to continue serving and be on standby. Do discharge your responsibility.
“The State Secretary has also issued a directive to prohibit civil servants from travelling abroad.
“Meanwhile, service centres will be closed and be on standby during the period.
“The Penang state executive council (exco) will still be functioning. Weekly meetings will still be held to discuss essential matters,” Chow told a press conference at his office after attending a special exco meeting today.
Chow also listed numerous efforts taken by the Penang government to combat the Covid-19 outbreak.
“The state government is allocating RM20 million to aid those who are impacted by the movement control order, especially small business operators and hawkers, to reduce their financial burden.
“We understand that the allocation may not be much. We want the people to know that we are here (with them), fighting the Covid-19 outbreak,” he said.
Chow said the state exco had also discussed about the special task force, operated under the State Secretary, to address Covid-19 matters in Penang.
“The state has decided to include state exco members Dr Norlela Ariffin and Phee Boon Poh in the special task force. The task force will be conducting daily meetings to deal with Covid-19 issues.
“Communications and public participation are also essential to deliver accurate information to the people. Hence, the state has set up a Communications and Citizen Empowerment Committee to boost effective communications. The committee will be chaired by Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim,” he said.
He added that Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin had also instructed Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) to stop all promotions, visits to conventions and others during the said period.
“The respective state excos are working hard to ensure that all six measures stated under the movement control order are followed.
“The Penang government supports the movement control order and will give its cooperation. We hope that everyone will work together and abide by the order.
“This is important, and we must do it right the first time,” Chow said.
He also said that Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) would be reducing the funicular train frequency to the hill.
“The funicular train is a mode of transportation, which is an essential service. The train service is still needed to transport residents who are staying on the hill,” he said.
He urged everyone to stay united to combat the Covid-19 outbreak.
According to a press statement by PHC, the funicular train service for all visitors has been suspended from March 18 to March 31, in view of the movement control order.
The statement stated that limited funicular trips would be provided to the residents of Penang Hill on a scheduled basis during the movement control order period. The scheduled trips are strictly for the residents of Penang Hill.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud