THE first private low-risk quarantine and treatment centre (PKRCS) in Penang offering zero cost for the B40 group is scheduled to operate on Oct 1.
In a collaboration between MEI Hotel and Crisis Relief Services & Training (CREST) Malaysia, the B40 community will get to benefit from this mutual partnership.
This will be the second PKRCS set up by CREST Malaysia at MEI Hotel in Abu Siti Lane after the PKRCS Travelodge, which was established in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 7 this year.
In a virtual conference call at MEI Hotel today, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was briefed by CREST Malaysia executive director Cheong Chee Keen, who is currently based in Kuala Lumpur.
Cheong told Chow on the organisation’s effort to assist the needy amid the Covid-19 pandemic for three months’ period with the budget of RM1.7 million.
“We want to work together with the state and MEI Hotel to provide a quarantine shelter for the B40 community.
“PKRCS MEI is fully funded by donations and operated by CREST volunteers, medical and non-medical staff.
“Hence, I would like to sincerely invite YAB CM Chow to officiate the opening of this PKRCS on Oct 1,” he said.
A PKRCS is a privately-run quarantine centre that houses Covid-19 positive patients with mild symptoms (Category 1 & Category 2) as directed by the Covid-19 Assessment Centres (CAC) or district health offices.
Chow complimented CREST Malaysia and MEI Hotel for their coiperation to establish the PKRCS.
“We know that many people are facing challenges to quarantine at home due to unconducive environment.
“This centre will help to provide an avenue, especially to the B40 community.
“It is a crucial need for Penang at the moment and the state is looking forward to its opening on Oct 1.
“I believe that it will provide a great service to the community,” he said.
Earlier, Chow and those present made a tour visit to MEI Hotel.
The delegation was briefed on how the PKRCS will operate next month during the visit.
Those medical and non-medical volunteers who are keen to assist can register via this link bit.ly/PgPKRCS while donors interested to contribute can contact the hotline at 017-9148548.
Also present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Emergency Response Team chairman Phee Boon Poh, who is also state Environment and Welfare Committee chairman, State Secretary Datuk Seri Abdul Razak Jaafar, state Health Department senior chief assistant director Dr S. Gunenthira Rao, MEI Hotel owner Datuk Cheng Mei Man, hotel manager John Kim and hotel communication head Harry Chew.
CREST was represented by its clinical head Dr Ng Chen Chuan, non-clinical head Felix Chong and Wesley Methodist Church pastor-in-charge Rev Ronald Yap.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video Alissala Thian