THE Penang government has the right not to follow the Federal Government’s decision which allows basic haircut services to resume.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang Security Special Committee (JKKN) hoped that the Federal Government would review its decision, considering the risk of potentially creating a new Covid-19 cluster.
“It is also difficult to practise social distancing. The Penang government views the matter seriously. More than 95% of the public feedback are about concerns following the announcement.
“The JKKN today has stated that the state has the right not to follow the Federal’s decision if it proceeds with allowing basic haircut services to resume,” Chow told the public via Facebook Live on his Facebook page today.
He said the state was still awaiting the implementation guidelines and other details pertaining to the additional nine manufacturing and services sectors allowed to operate in stages, as announced by the Federal Government on April 10.
“The operation hours for businesses involved in the sale of agricultural input (fertilizers/pesticides); hardware shops; shops that sell pet food, animal feed and medicine have been extended.
“They can now operate from 8am to 5pm. However, the days of operation are maintained at twice a week – on Mondays and Thursdays,” he said.
Chow also said: “According to the Health Ministry and the state Health Department, disinfection works at public places are ineffective in eradicating germs and viruses.”
“It is more important to practise personal hygiene,” he added.
On a separate note, Chow said that the state had distributed 1.3 million face masks to the public (as of April 9), especially to the frontliners.
“The state assemblymen in their respective constituencies have also distributed face masks to their constituents.
“Apart from that, personal protective equipment (PPE), face shields, hand sanitisers, thermometers, gloves, and shoe covers (totalling 330,352 units) are being distributed daily,” he said.
Chow also advised the public to be careful when they purchase face masks via online.
“Between Jan 30 and April 9, there were 60 investigation papers opened by the police to investigate scam operations in Penang pertaining to the sale of face masks via online.
“The cases resulted in losses amounting to RM466,496.
“The police have taken several steps, such as, raising public awareness through talks, advertisements, and radio announcements, as well as, distribution of brochures, to combat cyber-related crimes.
Chow also encouraged Penangites to stay calm as the nation enters the third phase of the movement control order (MCO) from April 15 to April 28.
“The state government will remain committed and will conduct an in-depth study on ways to enhance the state’s economy as well as the emotional and social well-being of Penangites.
“I will share the details soonest possible,” he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad