THE Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) is back once again with its charitable giving, and this time, they have contributed 2,500 units of pulse oximeters worth RM75,000 to PgCare Alliance to help the needy.
The Penang government collaborated with PgCare Alliance to accelerate help to the people during this difficult period.
This latest act of kindness saw the participation of 19 member companies of MSIA.
MSIA had previously engaged with the state government on the contribution of laptops for underprivileged students and donation of medical devices to the Penang Hospital.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh and state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin witnessed the brief handover ceremony in Komtar today.
Chow thanked MSIA for their continuous support and for pulling their resources together to contribute the devices (pulse oximeters). The pulse oximeters are in great demand now.
“The people, especially those who are undergoing self-quarantine at home or low-risk Covid-19 quarantine centres need the pulse oximeters to monitor their oxygen level. Some may also need oxygen concentrators.
“These two items are in great demand and throughout this period, we have been receiving contributions of these gadgets.
“We distribute the pulse oximeters to those in need, especially those who are undergoing home-quarantine, so that they can monitor their oxygen level.
“The individual must seek medical attention if his or her oxygen level drops below 95%,” Chow said.
The 19 MSIA member companies that have contributed include Analog Devices Sdn Bhd, Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd, NI Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, SFP Technology Sdn Bhd, ViTrox Technology Bhd, ACA Vision Technology Sdn Bhd, AllianceCorp Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, GSH Precision Technology Sdn Bhd, Intel Technology Sdn Bhd, ITW Meritex Sdn Bhd, Keysight Technologies Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Kok Constructions, Motorola Solutions Malaysia Sdn Bhd, NSW Automation Sdn Bhd, QES (Asia-Pacific) Sdn Bhd, Rapid Growth Technology Sdn Bhd and Ultra Clean-air Technology (UCT) Sdn Bhd.
MSIA president Datuk Seri Wong Siew Hai, who was present during the ceremony, said that he was informed by Phee (PgCare Alliance chairman) that the state needed more pulse oximeters, to be given to Covid-19 patients who were home-quarantined.
“We, from MSIA, then decided to raise our own funds to purchase the pulse oximeters to be given to PgCare Alliance.
“Our initial target was to only donate 2,000 units of pulse oximeters, but then we had extra monetary assistance that enabled us to contribute even more,” Wong said.
On a separate matter, Chow said that although the daily new Covid-19 cases in Penang are on a downward trend lately, the Penang government and state Health Department are closely monitoring the need to increase intensive care unit (ICU) beds in hospitals.
“Public health amenities will always remain our concern, and we will probably be receiving an additional of 20 ICU beds by the end of this month.
“Meanwhile, other facilities such as the Covid-19 Assessment Centre (CAC), Penang Covid-19 Call Centre are currently operating smoothly following the reduction in daily new cases. The decrease in the number of cases is taking away the pressure and stress from our healthcare system.
“But as I have always said, we still need to continue to stay vigilant and resilient as the war is not over,” Chow added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Law Suun Ting