GEORGE TOWN – The Penang government has come up with four proposals for the federal government to help resolve the state’s surge of Covid-19 cases.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the government needs to expedite risk assessments based on data and scientific facts, as well as implement the Safe@Work standard operating procedures (SOPs) as soon as possible.
“At the same time, enforcement is not only strictly enforced against individuals but factories that fail to comply with SOPs, especially those that have recurring cases.
“Besides that, vaccination through the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme should be expedited for those who work in the manufacturing sector in the state,” he said in a statement today.
Chow said despite the implementation of the various movement control orders (MCO) since last year, industrial areas in Mukim 12 and Mukim 13, and the northeast district remain red zones.
In fact, he added, infections are now spreading to Mukim 13, Mukim 12 and Mukim 15 in southern Seberang Prai, another vital industrial area for the state.
“In reality, the spread of cases in factories then spread to schools in the surrounding areas due to parents who work in the factories.
“I receive many complaints, especially from parents who are anxious, frustrated and sceptical of the current situation.
“They abide by the SOPs set, but cases are still so high in number that (they) have indirectly affected their daily lives, including their businesses and jobs.”
Chow said Penang currently has 18 active clusters, of which 11 are linked to manufacturing areas, one related to an education centre, two in detention depots and prisons, and four others.
“Looking at the relevant reports, the manufacturing sector recorded the highest number of clusters. With this, the state government urges the Health Ministry and the National Security Council to re-examine their risk assessments.”
Yesterday, Penang recorded 328 new Covid-19 cases, making it the state with the highest number of infections after Selangor’s 652. – The Vibes, March 21, 2021
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