IT was a piece of good news when Penang island was declared a green zone on April 27.
Now, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang does not want the residents to rest on their laurels but to help maintain the green zone status.
“We are glad to see that on April 27, the island became a green zone following no new Covid-19 cases reported within 14 days.
“The council would like to convey our appreciation to all the frontliners, backliners as well as Penangites for making this possible.
“Nevertheless, we should not be lackadaisical as we need to give our continuous commitment and cooperation to remain as a green zone,” said Yew during the council’s regular meeting today which was held through a teleconference.
Yew also stated that the council has come up with various initiatives to help those whose income was affected during the movement control order (MCO).
“We have launched some online platforms such as the Jom Beli Online (JBO@MBPP), JBO Ramadan, Business From Home and Business From Farm.
“The pandemic has resulted in people adapting themselves by doing their business via online transactions. Similarly, the council has also switched to digital by offering some of its services online.
“For instance, the development of the ‘Integrated Local Council Solution (ILCS), in which the application pertaining to the planning permissions can be done online.
“The council is also heading towards a cashless society through its existing online platforms,” Yew added.
Meanwhile, Yew said the council has assisted companies and factories that have been given permission by Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) to resume their operations.
“MBPP has processed their applications seeking extension of their operation hours. It was done within 24 hours, including Saturday and Sunday.
“I would like to affirm here that the council will be committed to providing its core services, especially concerning public health and safety throughout the Ramadan month as well as the MCO,” he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of MBPP