The National Security Council (NSC) has to come out with a clearer guideline on the mandatory use of face masks, says Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang.
Ng acknowledged the importance of wearing face masks in crowded places but wants NSC to clarify certain gray areas.
“For instance, all of us have been wearing masks in public places even before its mandatory usage on Aug 1.
“However, many are still unsure or having doubts whether they need to don a mask when driving alone or when driving their family.
“As an elected representative, we are answerable to the people and I hope the federal authority can issue a proper directive.
“As a reminder to everyone, always keep your distance between one another, wear a face mask and use hand sanitiser frequently in public areas,” he told reporters before distributing face masks and leaflets to the traders and hawkers in the Air Itam market today.
Ng called on everyone to follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) imposed to ensure the state remains in a green zone status, adding that the efforts all these while should not go down the drain.
“I hope everyone, particularly those under quarantine, will abide by the regulations as we don’t want a cluster to take place in Penang,” he added.
Earlier, 2,400 face masks and 250 leaflets educating the public on the SOPs to adhere to were distributed to the hawkers and traders in the Air Itam market.
The distribution of leaflets was a collaboration between Ng and Junior Chamber International (JCI) George Town.
Also present were JCI local president Tan Yong Chin and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Tan Soo Siang.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting