GEORGE TOWN – Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has slammed the federal government over its inaction to approve the state’s proposal for Safe@Work protocols and vaccination for economic frontliners.
This comes as the manufacturing sector here continues to produce many Covid-19 clusters, causing public concern.
Chow said he is aware of the public complaints on clusters linked to the manufacturing sector but there has been no firm action by the federal government.
In a press conference in Komtar today, he said he is very upset that Penang’s proposal to implement Safe@Work has yet to be implemented by the International Trade and Industry Ministry since it was submitted in March.
He added that the state has informed its readiness to vaccinate economic frontliners to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin during the minister’s visit in April.
“The plan has been stalled due to insufficient supply of vaccines. In Penang, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers and private medical associations are ready to work with the ministry.
“In fact, there are factories that have been identified as suitable locations to be used as vaccination centres for economic frontliners. In any case, we have to wait for the government’s decision,” said Chow.
“I understand this issue was also debated at the federal level.
“I hope it will be given special attention because the manufacturing sector is still recording many Covid-19 cases where monitoring needs to be tightened.”
As of yesterday, Penang recorded 15 active clusters – eight in the manufacturing sector, three in education, and two in community-based ones, while detention centres and construction sites had one cluster each.
Chow said the state government did not rule out the possibility of conducting mass Covid-19 screening tests for the public to curb the virus’ spread in Penang.
However, he added that the focus is to speed up the vaccination process.
In the same press conference, Penang police chief Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan said a total of 41 roadblocks will be set up in the state starting tomorrow.
Sahabudin said it will involve a total of 3,500 police officers, assisted by the army and Rela personnel.
“During the last movement control order, we had 45 roadblocks. However, we will add (personnel) if need be.” – The Vibes, May 9, 2021
