THE Penang executive council (exco) members, including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, will be donating one month of their salary to the Penang Covid-19 Fund.
“We are in this together, in good times and in bad,” Chow told the public via Facebook Live on his Facebook page today.
The Penang government has set up a fund, called Penang Covid-19 Fund, to receive donations so that it can further help the needy.
The fund, through Maybank 557054620930, was launched on March 26. It was set up a day after Chow announced the state government’s RM75 million economic stimulus package.
The private sector, especially in Penang, has pledged a contribution of nearly RM2 million.
Malaysian Chinese Daily Kwong Wah Yit Poh has also decided to contribute RM500,000 to the Penang Covid-19 Fund today.
Chow said that the movement control order (MCO) compliance rate in Penang has increased to 94%.
“I was informed by Penang police chief Comm Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan that the state has managed to achieve 94% compliance rate. I would like to thank the people for complying with the MCO.
“Let us be more committed to achieve 100% compliance rate,” he said. It was reported on March 24 that Penang achieved a 90% compliance rate.
Chow also mentioned that the MCO would be tighten at every district in Penang.
“Following a meeting with Penang police chief and the state Security Council director, the MCO will be tightened to obtain better results.
“The action committees have been mobilised to every district to better the implementation of the MCO. I urge the people of Penang to continue to give your cooperation,” he said.
The Penang government was also planning to restructure the system involving the distribution of food or basic necessities to the needy.
Chow said that (currently) the distribution works were conducted by the state local representatives.
“The Penang government is taking this initiative to reduce movements, especially those that are in disorder, during the MCO.
“We do not want individuals that are involved in the distribution works – without proper protection – to be exposed to the Covid-19.
“Thirdly, we want to prevent wastage of food and basic necessities caused by inefficient and unplanned distribution,” Chow said.
Chow thanked those who have offered their help to assist the needy.
“My advice is that the public should leave the restructuring of the system to the state government; and leave the rescue works to the authorities such as the medical staff, police, army and the Fire and Rescue Department.
“I appeal to the charitable and non-governmental organisations to plan their resources and energy during this MCO period. The Penang government will need your services and assistance to provide aid to the people and to develop our state after the MCO period,” he said.
He also urged the public not to be influenced by irresponsible individuals who are playing up racial issues.
“I understand that there are people who questioned the RM1,000 aid given to mosques and RM500 aid given to suraus in Penang.
“The aid is given to disinfect and to clean the areas, considering that there may be infection resulting from the Sri Petaling (tabligh) cluster.
“I believe that every Penangite, regardless of race or religion, understands this situation. We must not let those who are irresponsible play up racial issues during this critical situation.
“Non-Islamic institutions that need assistance to disinfect or to clean their premises can apply through their respective state local representatives. Alternatively, they can also apply for the state RIBI (places of worship other than Islam) Fund,” Chow said.
Chow also mentioned: “The Penang police chief had told me that those who need plumbing or wiring services during the MCO may refer or report to the nearest police station.”
A journalist had questioned if electrical shops, contractors and plumbers could operate since there had been an increase in the number of cases involving electrical wiring and leaking pipes.
“It will be considered on a case-by-case basis,” Chow said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix Alvie Cheng
Video by Chan Kok Kuan