GEORGE TOWN – Penang welcomes the Year of the Tiger just three days away with hopes that Covid-19 is contained and the economy recovers after two years of uncertainties, as well as loss of jobs and lives.
Celebrations began early at the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple in Ayer Itam here last night, with fireworks being set off after Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow lit lanterns in a ceremony to kick off the Chinese New Year season.
It was the first time in two years that the sprawling temple complex opened to visitors as the public were prohibited earlier due to precautions against Covid-19.
Also present were Chow’s predecessor and former finance minister Lim Guan Eng, who is the state assemblyman for Air Puteh nearby, and the temple trustee Datuk Seri Steven Ooi.
Now that over 90% of the registered adults in the state are fully vaccinated, with close to 60% of them having taken booster shots, there is hope that Covid-19 can be contained and the state can ease into the endemic phase.
Chow, who emerged from his home quarantine yesterday after being classified as a close contact, urged all organisers to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) when hosting public events during the festive period.
He also hoped that the Chinese new year will bring goodwill and prosperity for all.
Earlier, he had received the outgoing Bank of China (Malaysia) Bhd branch manager Hu Zhe, who is heading back to his home country after serving here for three years, at his office.
Hu said that he adores Penang and hopes to return some day.
Chow is also scheduled to attend a virtual new year gathering organised by the Chinese consulate here today.
Meanwhile, traffic has picked up pace here as vacationers make a beeline for Penang in view of the long weekend spell.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels is expecting the daily occupancy to rise in view of the heavy room bookings in both Langkawi and Penang.
Penang state exco for health Dr Norlela Ariffin urged visitors and residents alike to abide by the SOPs as Covid-19 continues to reign here.
Yesterday, there were 231 fresh cases recorded, while the active cases were at 1,832 of which 79% of them were in home quarantine, 15% in public quarantine centres and 4% were hospitalised.
Norlela urged families to be careful of their children who are unvaccinated in view of the growing number of school clusters emerging.
Doctors here are also calling for people to do more testing to help cut down on the rate of infections, especially among those who are asymptomatic. – The Vibes, January 29, 2022
