THE Penang Covid-19 mass screening (PSC-19) programme is gathering momentum as more venues are used on different days since it kicked off at the City Stadium on July 5.
The screening took place at Lintang Macallum 2 in George Town today and will be followed by the testing at MBPP complex, Jalan Rajawali, Bayan Lepas (tomorrow); SK Padang Tembak, Taman Ayer Itam on July 17 (Saturday); Mak Mandin Basketball Court in Gerbang Mak Mandin 2, Butterworth on July 17 (Saturday); Dewan MPKK Sungai Dua, Flat Hamna Desa Permai Indah on July 18 (Sunday); and the parking space in Jalan Perai Jaya 5, Bandar Perai Jaya on July 18 (Sunday).
Bagan Jermal assemblyman Soon Lip Chee said the free mass screening programme at Mak Mandin Basketball Court would be held for one day from 8am until 5.30pm.
“The programme will involve Bagan Jermal constituency only but we will prioritise those who live at Mak Mandin and Ampang Jajar due to the high number of Covid-19 positive cases detected in both areas.
“We expect 1,000 individuals to undergo the Covid-19 screening on that day.
“And so far, we have received a total of 200 individuals who have registered themselves for PSC-19 through my service centre.
“Thus, I would like to urge residents who are keen on getting tested, especially those from both areas, to register for the PSC-19 programme through my (Bagan Jermal) service centre.
“They can also register for the PSC-19 at penangsaring.selangkah.my
“But, if they did not manage to register on time, we still accept walk-in. This is however subjected to the availability of the Covid-19 test kits,” said Soon, who is also the state Youth and Sports Committee chairman, during his visit to the Mak Mandin Basketball Court today.
Also present during the visit was Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Ng Yee Siang.
According to Soon, each individual will be put into different groups and come at different times to prevent overcrowding at the place.
“Antigen Rapid Test Kits (RTK-Ag) will be used during the programme and results can be ready within two hours.
“A total of 70 manpower (medical and non-medical) will be involved for PSC-19 programme this Saturday.
“We will also sanitise the place when the programme has ended.
“If the public has any questions related to the programme, they can call my service centre at 012-4130362 or my personal phone number at 012-4290163. Rest assured, we will try our best to help,” he added.
The PSC-19 is a free mass screening programme initiated by the Penang government for targeted community groups. It kicked off on July 5, involving all the 40 state constituencies.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis