THE first batch of frontliners, who are currently vaccinated under phase one of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, should include personnel from the local councils as well, according to Penang Housing, Local Government and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.
The two-term state executive councillor emphasised that the safety of 6,000-odd local government frontliners from both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) must be prioritised.
“They are considered a highly-exposed group as they are always on the ground to carry out their duties diligently to serve the people,” Jagdeep told reporters before conducting checks on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) at the Chowrasta Market in Penang Road this morning.
‘I’m not solely emphasising Penang but I hope all local councils’ personnel will be recognised as part of the frontliners under the phase one of the vaccination programme.
“I really hope the authorities can include them in the list of vaccinations,” said Jagdeep, who is also the Datok Keramat assemblyman.
Jagdeep said he would bring up the issue during a virtual meeting with Senior Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof later today.
“I hope the authorities will review it,” he said, adding that a total of 1.57 million inspections on premises have been carried out on the island and mainland respectively.
He also reminded the public to adhere to SOPs although the process of vaccinations is underway.
Also present were MBPP secretary Datuk Addnan Mohd Razali and MBPP councillors Nicholas Theng and Harvindar Singh.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar