GEORGE TOWN – Some 70% of total Covid-19 cases in Penang between June 1 and July 14 are due to workplace clusters involving factories and industries, the state assembly was told today.
State Agrotechnology, Food Safety, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said 6,222 cases out of a total 8,668 recorded in the six weeks were found to be linked to workplaces.
“The investigation by the state Health Department found that factories and industries are the biggest cause of Covid-19 cases in Penang. This is due to the placement of foreign workers from more than 10 factories in one hostel area.”
She added that surge was first reported after Penang entered Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan last month.
Norlela said the second contributor to the increase in cases is community infections due to poor SOP compliance.
She added that Penang has an increase in Covid-19 deaths, recording 469 victims since January, compared to only nine last year.
Meanwhile, the assembly heated up when Norlela said seven Delta cases were recorded in Penang.
This was disputed by M. Satees (Bagan Dalam-DAP) who said the figures were different from that given by the Health Department.
He said the Health Department had reported a total of 31 Delta cases, the second highest after Sarawak.
Norlela replied that she obtained updated data from the department as of August 12.
“How can Yang Berhormat use the August 12 data? It is no longer relevant. Covid-19 is a serious case,” Satees fired back.
However, the situation was calmed by state speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, saying all the answers provided had a timeline and statistics.
“But if the latest statistics are needed, the exco can also provide them. This needs to be understood by all parties.” – The Vibes, September 1, 2021
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