THE state government has urged Penangites to strictly adhere to the movement control order (MCO) to avoid sterner action by the authorities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said since the MCO started on March 18, a total of 158 people in the state have been detained as of yesterday for defying the order.
He also urged all the passengers of Qatar Airways QR866 from Doha to Penang and express bus StarMart Express AJS 6666 to swiftly come forward to the state Health Department.
“I urge all of you to obey the given instructions. Don’t be stubborn because this is not something to be taken lightly,” Chow told the public via Facebook Live on his Facebook page today.
“With this, I would like to thank you for your cooperation.”
Chow said the Sri Aman market in Relau has been shut down by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for failing to heed the social distancing order, failing to restrict the number of market-goers into the market at a time and failing to prepare hand sanitisers for the customers.
In Jelutong Market, he said, the council had instructed all stall operators outside the market premises to cease their operations beginning tomorrow.
“Various approaches have been used by MBPP since MCO started, which include public education, warning notices and shut down orders. The shut down orders were issued by the authorities after the warnings were ignored.
“Hence, I hope all traders and the public will not view this MCO lightly. The authorities such as police, city councils and others will not hesitate to take firmer action against those who are still stubborn.
“This is important for everyone’s well-being and please be patient during this period so that our nation and state will return to normalcy as before.”
Chow added that he would be chairing the state Security Council Committee (JKKN) meeting tomorrow and members of the committee are expected to work on the details to strengthen the next move for the protection from the Covid-19 pandemic.
As of yesterday noon, Penang has recorded six new cases to bring the total number to 86.
He expressed hopes that the figure would not increase while praying for the safety of the frontliners who strived day and night for the well-being of the people.
On questions raised by the media on what action would be taken to allay the fears of Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi residents following detection of a few positive cases there, Chow said he was frequently updated by the state Health Department.
“The department will monitor the situation and provide necessary information from time to time for safety precaution. My advice to all is to always remain at home and practise personal hygiene for the time being,” he added.
On whether the state would take proactive steps by announcing the locality of the cases or establishing a formal channel for the residents to obtain accurate information, Chow said they are always in touch with the state Health Department during this crisis.
“Any further details are referred to the Health Ministry. At this stage, we would like to inform that the ministry will channel the related information if any further updates are obtained,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix and video by Alvie Cheng