AIR passengers returning to Penang via Kuala Lumpur International Airport must be quarantined in Kuala Lumpur, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
In his public address via Facebook Live on his FB page today, Chow said the state Health Department has been informed that even if the passengers are Penangites, they would not be allowed to continue with their onward journey from KLIA.
“Beginning April 3, the National Security Council had decided that all returning Malaysians from overseas must undergo quarantine.
“According to the Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad, there are no more international flights to Penang International Airport following cancellation of all airlines until further notice.
“I hope all of you will remain patient and obey the latest instructions for everyone’s safety.
“Trust me, your sacrifices will be most meaningful for everyone. Together we must break the infection chain of this Covid-19 pandemic,” Chow told the public in his address from his office in Komtar.
Until midnight of April 4, police said the compliance rate of the movement control order in Penang was at 97.8%. Chow has called on the people to reach 100 per cent.
He said he was thankful that although the Covid-19 cases have reached almost three-digit figure in the last 19 days, no frontliners have been infected by the pandemic virus in the state.
Citing the call of the Health Ministry director general, Chow said he hoped the frontliners would continue to take precautionary measures as they have been advised such as to keep hands clean, practise social distancing and use personal protective equipment as needed.
He said medical practitioners in hospitals and private clinics are also advised to do likewise when performing clinical procedure.
“On behalf of the state government, we are always ready and committed to donating the necessary equipment to the front line workers.
“A total of 370,000 face masks, 230,000 pairs of gloves and other items have been distributed to our frontliners by various agencies and our state assemblymen.”
Chow also thanked State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang for contributing a month’s salary to the Penang Covid-19 Fund as well as the initiatives of all elected representatives who have put aside their political differences and stayed united in the fight against Covid-19.
Apart from that, Chow said the state Opposition Leader and the Backbencher Chief have issued a joint statement yesterday that all 40 state assembly members are contributing 30% of their salary to the Penang Covid-19 Fund.
“I thank each and every one of you. It is my hope that more people will come forward to provide this kind of assistance.
“You can donate directly to the hospital or through the Penang Covid-19 Fund through Maybank account 557054620930,” Chow added.
At the same time, Chow also expressed his appreciation to InvestPenang and friends from the industry who have made contributions towards the state’s fight against this pandemic.
“So far, about RM1.5 million has been contributed in the form of essential medical equipment such as face masks, face shields, gloves, PPE, blood pressure machines, ultrasound system, dialysis equipment, computers, printers and others,” Chow said.
The chief minister also commended Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia, represented by its Commissioner Khoo Boo Leong, for donating 3,000 pieces of face shields to the state government for use of the frontliners.
Before ending his message, Chow said he was touched by the many private messages he had received.
“Thank you for giving me support, prayer, messages of encouragement, concern about my health etc. I am doing fine, just my hair is a bit long and untidy.
“Tough times will make us tougher. Penang Lawan Covid-19!”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis