THE Penang government will be tightening the standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to construction, dine-in, hair salon, public market, night market and recreational park as well as come up with an additional SOP for stalls selling seasonal fruits.
This was announced by state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh today during a press conference.
“To date, there are 61 SOPs being implemented across 33 Federal agencies as well as the ministries. While the state government is following the SOPs, it has also decided to enhance five of them and introduce one itself.
“Our decision has been approved by the Penang National Security Council (MKNPP) and police,” said Jagdeep.
Jagdeep also urged Penangites to strictly follow the SOPs as the battle against Covid-19 pandemic is not over yet.
“Do not be negligent and put all our efforts in vain since we are still in the midst of curbing the Covid-19 crisis,’’ said Jagdeep.
“We can see that in some of our states, certain areas are being declared as red zones again. This is something that should not be taken lightly.
“Moreover, it has been reported yesterday that there was a confirmed case very close to our border which is, Kulim. So, we cannot let our guard down,’’ said Jagdeep.
Jagdeep said that as of Aug 5, Penang has recorded a 100 percent compliance rate on the mandatory face mask ruling at 14 public markets on the island and 10 public markets on the mainland.
Those who would like to clarify the SOPs can contact MKNPP at 04-2505428.
He also added that the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) conducted checks on 195,832 premises and found a 99.58% compliance rate as of Aug 5.
While on the mainland, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) recorded a 99.36 percent compliance rate after conducting checks on 427,547 premises.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan