GEORGE TOWN – The state government has urged Putrajaya to up the pace of Covid-19 vaccinations at factories in the state, as 12 out of 19 active clusters in Penang come from the manufacturing sector.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he wants to double the vaccination rate in the state, as it continues to struggle with surging Covid-19 infections, which has tripled almost daily.
Penang has recorded 12,700 cases and five deaths due to the coronavirus, with the general contention that the virus has seeped into many production lines in factories due to employees’ inability in carrying out physical distancing and the crowded staff quarters of foreign workers.
Chow said such an initiative can reduce the infection rate in Penang.
He urged the International Trade and Industry Ministry to hasten standard operating procedures for the Safe@Work initiative, while keeping in mind the costs that small and medium industries must spend.
“The feedback that was discussed with the prime minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) has been well-received by certain parties. Hence, there is a need to hasten the process.”
Penang continues to suffer from a high infection rate, with the ministry reporting that the state’s R-naught infection rate is at 1.05, while the national rate on average is 0.87.
Chow said as the rate is still high, Penangites need to work hard to break the line of infection.
“We must love our families and our communities in the fight against Covid-19.” – The Vibes, March 16, 2021
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