GEORGE TOWN – Penang has allocated RM20 million in aid to help residents here who are struggling to make ends meet during the movement control order (MCO).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said there are now more local residents who are infected with the Covid-19 in Penang compared with foreign nationals.
“As at yesterday, out of a total of 5,479 infections, 59% (3,246) are Malaysians while 41% (2,233) are foreigners.”
The virus is in the community and the people here must take every precaution, said Chow in a statement.
He added the MCO, which has entered its second day, has caused distress to those who are dependent on daily income.
These include those in the food industry who experienced a drop in customers due to the work from home orders issued by the employers.
Chow said that the state has approved the RM20 million financial assistance package to mainly deal with the socio-economic challenges associated with the MCO.
The package, called aid 3.0, is aimed at bringing relief to target groups affected by the re-imposition of the MCO.
Last year, the Penang State Government had provided a total of RM151 million in financial assistance to many affected people, businesses, and organisations.
Chow appealed to the people and business community to comply with all the SOPs to curtail the curve of Covid-19 cases in the state.
“It is clear that the virus is everywhere and anyone, whether local or foreigner, can be infected.”
Therefore, the state should not be complacent and instead take all necessary precautions to protect the people here. – The Vibes, January 14, 2021
