AS the year 2021 draws to a close, businesses in Penang are picking up their pace with the domestic tourism booming once again during the year end.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his delight to see a better livelihood for the people since the state has entered Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan.
“I feel relief to see the traders being able to resume their businesses after being severely impacted by the pandemic previously.
“I hope that it would keep getting better for them,” Chow said during a walkabout in George Town to distribute calendars at Lorong Popus, Hutton Lane, Transfer Road and the New World Park food court.
“It is a tradition for the Padang Kota and Tanjong parliamentary service centres to distribute the calendars during the year end.
“As the Padang Kota assemblyman, I have been doing this for the past 10 years. While doing this, I get to listen to the views of the voters (Padang Kota and Tanjong) here.
“During my walkabout in Campbell Street (yesterday), the traders were hoping for things to be restored swiftly.
“At the same time, I found out that these traders could breathe a little easier and they were relieved that their businesses have improved,” said Chow.
Chow also said that during the walkabout, he received complaints about the inadequate parking space resulting from the influx of tourists to George Town.
“The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Wong Yuee Harng will be bringing the matter to the attention of the city council,” he added.
Chow said his team has ordered a total of 2,000 table calendars as well as 5,000 race calendars for the distribution.
“My fellow comrades, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, are also keeping up with the tradition.
“They are also distributing calendars at their respective constituencies,” he added.
Apart from that, Chow urged the residents in Padang Kota, Pengkalan Kota and Komtar to keep adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Seize the opportunity of getting your Covid-19 booster shots and follow the SOPs at all times. We hope that one day, the pandemic would become an endemic.
“With that, I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year,” said Chow.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar