THE Penang government has joined hands with Penang Halal International to organise a month-long campaign, called Sinar Ramadan 2021, to promote business operators and premises selling food, drinks and other relevant items during this Ramadan season.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the campaign, which is from April 13 to May 31, would focus on hotels having buffets, Ramadan bazaar operators and several selected shopping malls in the state.
“These premises will participate in the campaign by having logos and posters prepared by PHI set up at their entrances.
“So far since yesterday (April 13), the response has been quite encouraging, and we hope the related parties will play their part to boost their respective businesses this Ramadan.
“During this time of Ramadan, I encourage fellow Penangites to continue praying for the Covid-19 pandemic to subside and may it all come to an end sooner than expected.
“We are grateful that many activities during this season of forgiveness are able to resume this year.
“I urge everyone to stay safe by complying with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) when visiting premises to buy necessities,” Chow said during the official launching ceremony of the campaign at Jen Penang George Town by Shangri-La today.
The premises that will have the logos and posters set up at their entrances include Masjid Daerah Balik Pulau, Bayan Baru Ramadan bazaar, Sungai Acheh Ramadan bazaar, Mydin Bukit Jambul, Sunshine Square (Bayan Baru), Hotel Royal Penang, Eastin Hotel Penang, G Hotel and many others.
Chow said the other purpose of this campaign was to continue encouraging people to shift to digitalisation while making purchases online.
“I believe Shopee and Foodpanda have been working closely with PHI on other initiatives.
“The Penang government applauds the support given by these organisations and it is hoped that the efforts will continue in the near future,” he added.
State Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, who was present during the ceremony, said the campaign was very important to boost the confidence of business operators during this Ramadan period.
“We are doing each other a favour here, and I would like to sincerely thank all the participants for coming together to make this happen.
“Also, I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to PHI for initiating the Penang E-Mall initiative which has garnered such tremendous support from sellers and buyers,” Abdul Halim said in this speech.
According to him, the initiative, which started in June last year, had seen some 15,000 merchants participated in it with a record sales of RM583 million (as of Dec 31 last year).
Meanwhile, PHI chief executive officer Aida Lim Abdullah wished everyone a blessed and prayerful Ramadan.
“Ramadan is not only about fasting. It is about patience, sympathy, humanity, love, forgiveness and kindness,” she said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix and video by Law Suun Ting