THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) welcome enquiries about the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for businesses from the public for the movement control order (MCO) that has been reimposed since Jan 13.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee Jagdeep Singh Deo said there may be confusion over what are the businesses allowed to operate during MCO 2.0.
“In Penang, we are open to take in queries from the public regarding the sectors that are allowed to operate and not to operate.
“We will follow the list given to us by the National Security Council (MKN).
“People are also unclear about the SOPs that need to be adhered for those essential services which have been permitted to operate.
“Please do not hesitate to contact us for further clarification. We would also seek clarification from the MKN on the issues raised by those who are affected,” said Jagdeep during the press conference held at the City Hall this morning.
Jagdeep was at the City Hall together with MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and MBPP secretary Datuk Addnan Mohd Rozali this morning to hand over provisions to MBPP’s 3D (dirty, dangerous and difficult job) squad as a gesture of appreciation for their enormous contribution during the Covid-19 crisis.
The hotline for MBPP is 04-2637000 and to connect via WhatsApp, 0162004082. For MBSP, call 04-2696969.
Meanwhile, Yew said all the public parks in the states under the MCO have been instructed by MKN to be closed from any recreational and sports activities.
“Yesterday, we received the latest updates from the MKN saying that the public parks need to be closed.
“And sports activities, such as cycling and jogging, can be carried out within the respective neighbourhood,” added Yew.
On Covid-19 screening, Jagdeep said out of 140,450, foreign workers in Penang, some 30,000 have undergone the tests.
“It is our responsibility to carry out the screening test as instructed by the Federal Government but we have some issues concerning the capacity for screening.
“There are only 51 panel clinics in Penang that conduct Covid-19 screening test for the foreign workers.
“So, I have suggested to the state Health Department during a meeting with Penang Security Special Committee (JKKN) recently to seek the assistance from the Penang Medical Practitioners’ Society (PMPS) to help conduct the Covid-19 screening test.
“PMPS has earlier agreed to help us pertaining to the vaccination when it arrives, and they are willing to do it for free.
“Since 200 clinics under the PMPS are on standby to conduct vaccination, why not we use them to do the screening test for the foreign workers. This would make the whole process faster,” said Jagdeep.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting