THE Penang government is committed not only to ensure public compliance to the standard operating procedure (SOP) but also to increase its effort in doing so in order to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said this was important to make sure Penang regain its ‘green zone’ status.
“As we all know currently there are three active cases of Covid-19 in the state as of today.
“So, we must continue to be vigilant and not let our guard down in our fight against this virus.
“The state government will also continue to ensure strict action is taken against those who do not comply with SOPs for the safety of all,” Jagdeep told reporters during his visit to the Taman Free School market today.
Also present were Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Jagdeep said the councils have been conducting various cleaning and disinfection operations at wet markets and public places in Penang.
“Since the implementation of the movement control order (MCO) in March until yesterday, the local councils have conducted 27,144 cleaning operations involving 156 public facilities throughout the state.
“On the island, MBPP held 10,440 cleaning operations in 60 public facilities while on the mainland, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) conducted 16,704 cleaning operations in 96 public facilities,” he added.
He was also pleased to note that the majority of the Penangites are still adhering to the SOP compliance.
“As of Sept 9, out of the 276,376 checks conducted on the island, the compliance rate stood at 99.60% while mainland recorded 99.33% out of the 515,728 checks carried out.
“Meanwhile for face masks compliance, both councils achieved 100% compliance rate at 14 public markets in the island and 12 public markets in Seberang Perai.
“And I hope all of us will continue to play our part in our efforts to make Penang a green zone again.
“Please wear your face mask, sanitise your hands, practise physical distancing and adhere to all SOPs.
“Together we can beat this pandemic!” he said.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal