GEORGE TOWN – After screening 15,070 people from 11 clusters here, Penang authorities have found positive cases in four clusters.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the four clusters are Intan (4), Penjara Seberang Prai (1), Tembaga (1) and Seri Pasir (2).
“In Penang, the situation is under control,” he said, conveying his appreciation for those who strictly abide by health and safety standard operating procedures.
He said people cannot let their guard down.
“I want all agencies and frontliners to be firm. Take action right away if anyone is not adhering to the guidelines.”
The Penang Island City Council has recorded a 99.69% compliance rate in the 440,070 checks it has conducted, while the Seberang Prai City Council reported a 99.36% compliance rate in 662,034 checks done.
Jagdeep was speaking to the press at Tg Bungah’s Rainbow Paradise Hotel, which has been converted into a quarantine centre for locals and foreigners under the Malaysia My Second Home programme returning from overseas.
The centre has been operating for 118 days, with 842 people having been discharged and 59 still under quarantine.
So far, there have been no Covid-19 cases recorded from among those quarantined at the centre.
Eighteen police personnel, 14 from the Civil Defence Force and 12 from the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department have been deployed here.
Another quarantine centre in Penang is in Bahang Bay, Teluk Bahang. There are currently 85 people there.
Jagdeep said Malaysians must remain on alert as daily infections have increased to four digits.
Asked if Penang will request for the conditional movement control order to be eased to the recovery phase, he said authorities are still monitoring, and that the health and safety of Penangites are the priority now, even though economic recovery is important.
Yesterday, the Komtar building was lit up in orange as a sign to Penang folk to continue the fight against Covid-19.
“Although there is news about a vaccine, we don’t know when we will get it on our shores, and we don’t know how effective it is. Right now, the most effective vaccine is compliance with SOPs,” said Jagdeep. – The Vibes, November 20, 2020
