PENANG must not rest on its laurels even though no new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in the last three weeks, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said the state has always supported and cooperated with the Health Ministry in the fight against the coronavirus.
Chow, who admitted the situation was worrying initially, was thankful that the state has maintained its green zone status.
He urged Penangites to continue cooperating with the authorities by following the safety measures like practising social distancing, wearing face masks, going out only when necessary, avoiding crowded places and washing hands frequently.
“We cannot become too relaxed because the virus is still around. Although it is invisible, we have to be careful,” Chow said when he helped to present 2,000 food packs and provisions to residents in Desa Jelita and Desa Kayu Manis in Batu Maung today.
The provisions were provided by Batu Maung assemblyman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain’s service centre with the support of sponsors, like Yusuf Taiyoob Sdn Bhd, Gaya Abadi Enterprise, Ong & Associates, Honorary Consulate of Hungary and One Two Three Culture Media Sdn Bhd.
Abdul Halim, who is the state executive councillor in charge of International & Domestic Trade, Consumer Affairs and Entrepreneurial Development, later presented a cheque for RM1,000 to Pertubuhan Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya in Kampung Batu Maung.
Chow thanked the sponsors and also presented certificate of appreciation to them. He also thanked Batu Maung MPKK (Village Community Management Council) members for their assistance in the programme.
“I hope the aid will lessen the burden of the less fortunate during this time when many are hit financially by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
“This shows that the private sector and the state government, through Datuk Abdul Halim’s office, care for them.
“The state government has released two aid packages but they are not enough. Many NGOs and organisations have come forward to help the needy families.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Chan Kok Kuan