SCG International Corporation Co. Ltd. through the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang, has donated two mobile units of the ‘Negative Pressure Isolation Chamber’ to the Penang Health Department to assist the state in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The two units, commonly known as the ‘swab rooms’, will be placed at the Penang International Airport (PIA) arrival area.
SCG International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd representative Lee Sek Koon said the units were developed by SCG as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“Each unit is equipped with a filter system that can effectively prevent the spread of viruses.
“It promotes a safe testing area for both the medical personnel and the individuals undergoing the swab test,” he said during the handover ceremony at PIA today.
Lee said the cost of each unit was about RM25,000.
The ceremony was witnessed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Thai consul-general in Penang Raschada Jiwalai.
Jiwalai said it was an honour to witness the handover ceremony.
“The contribution represents the company’s determination to battle against the Covid-19. It also symbolises the good relationship between Thailand and Malaysia, as well as Thailand and Penang.
“We lawan Covid-19 together and we will win together!” he said.
The Penang Health Department director Dr Asmayani Khalib received the units on behalf of the department.
Chow said the fight against the Covid-19 infection is far from over.
“We have to constantly remind our families and friends that the battle is not over.
“While Malaysia is in its recovery movement control order (RMCO) period until Aug 31, other countries are still recording high numbers of new infections. The mortality rates in other countries are still increasing.
“In fact, we are concerned when we read that Beijing is racing against the new wave of Covid-19 cases.
“The possibility of a second wave of Covid-19 cases is a formidable threat to everyone; now, especially with the reopening of international borders around the world. The international borders are slowly reopening, and economic activities are resuming albeit at a slower pace that before.
“Penang has been a green zone state since May 8. This is an achievement, thanks to the concerted efforts and teamwork from all segments of the society in the state.
“It remains a challenge for all of us to maintain this status,” Chow said.
Chow said Penang was blessed that it was not fighting this war alone.
He thanked the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang and the SCG International Corporation Co. Ltd. for the generous contribution.
“I understand that the innovation has been used in 20 hospitals in Thailand.
“It separates the area between the doctor and the person being screened by using appropriate pressure and air quality control systems, as well as, a portable disinfection system to prevent the spread of germs.
“We are grateful for the long-standing warm friendship between the Kingdom of Thailand and Penang. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“May our nations and the world emerge victorious in this fight against the Covid-19,” Chow said.
Also present were Penang State Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar, Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Health, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, Penang International Point Health Office health officer Dr Izani Uzair Zubair, PIA senior airport manager Mohd Nadzim Hashim, SCG International (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd representatives Lee Sze En and Koh Juin Yang, and Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society commissioners Datuk Loh Eng Wee and Datuk Ong Kok Sun.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud