THE six million face masks ordered by Penang government have started to arrive in batches.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said a total of 200,000 face masks would be distributed to the offices of state assemblymen, district offices and Federal agencies that are ‘frontliners’, starting this week.
“The state assemblymen will be distributing the masks to those in need in their constituencies, from time to time.
“The second phase of supply is scheduled to arrive next week.
“The face masks will be distributed fairly. Priorities will be given to the frontliners and the needy.
“The state government deeply appreciates the contribution and support during this challenging period.
“I would like to thank the Chinese Consulate in Penang, XSD International Paper and the Government of Quangang District, Fujian Province for their contributions,” he told the public during a Facebook Live on his Facebook page today.
The Chinese Consulate in Penang, led by consul-general Lu Shiwei, contributed 15,000 surgical face masks to the Penang Hospital.
XSD International Paper donated 50,000 face masks to the Penang government while the Government of Quangang District, Fujian Province gave 6,400 surgical face masks, 100 sets of personal protective clothing and 100 sets of shoe covers to the Penang Hospital.
Chow was also proud of Louis Ooi, a young engineer in Penang, and his team for designing a face shield for medical practitioners.
“The face shield has gained recognition from medical experts in Penang Hospital. It is safe, comfortable to wear, affordable and easy to make.
“The Penang government will be allocating RM60,000 to cover the cost of producing 2,000 face shields daily for a month.
“The face shields will be provided to all Government hospitals and clinics in Penang,” he said.
On his meeting with the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa this morning, Chow said he was informed that the corporation was only carrying out critical services to ensure good quality water supply to all Penangites.
The critical services are raw water abstraction, water treatment, water distribution, pipe repair works and water supply reconnection.
Chow was told that PBAPP was optimising the water releases from Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams in order to ensure continuous water supply until the rainy season arrives.
“PBAPP personnel are working daily to supply water to all Penangites. Please use water wisely,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhammad