STATE Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo has urged more Penangites to come forward and take part in the Penang Covid-19 Screening (PSC) programme which was launched recently.
Jagdeep said the PSC programme is essential to curb the spread of the disease among the community as the programme can help to separate the infected individuals from healthy individuals.
“Out of the 430 participants who took part on the first day of the programme (July 5) at the screening centre at City Stadium, I was informed that three were tested positive for Covid-19 during the follow-up PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.
“Alongside with the vaccination programme, the screening is also instrumental in safeguarding the community as we can prevent the spread of the disease.
“So, please register and get yourself screened,”said Jagdeep during his visit to the screening centre at Sony Sports Complex in Seberang Jaya.
Jagdeep also encouraged the workers in the transport service such as the taxi drivers to join the screening programme.
“It is advisable for people from certain categories such as the taxi drivers, to take part in the screening, as they would be able to convince the passengers that it is safe to ride a taxi.
“Today I see a group of taxi drivers together with their leader attending the programme which is indeed a good move as it would benefit them,” added Jagdeep.
Meanwhile, Seberang Perai City Council (MPSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mahmud urged traders to participate in the PSC programme to ensure public health and safety.
“We hope that the traders will come forward and get themselves screened to create a sense of confidence among the customers.
“They are always at the frontline dealing with people, so I hope that they will consider taking part in the programme,’’ added Rozali.
The screening programme that is currently taking place at the Sony Sports Complex in Seberang Jaya caters to the residents from Prai, Seberang Jaya, Permatang Pasir and Penanti constituencies.
Another screening programme will take place at Dewan Besar Sungai Dua on the mainland tomorrow (July 11) covering two constituencies, namely Sungai Dua and Permatang Berangan.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar