GEORGE TOWN – Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has called on Penangites to accept with an open heart Putrajaya’s decision to impose the movement control order during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri period.
He expressed hope that everyone adheres to the guidelines and standard operating procedures to curb Covid-19, and said the difficult decision had to be made for the good of all.
“The efforts made by all parties to combat this pandemic have bridged the divide and indirectly strengthened the spirit of unity, prosperity and racial harmony that is already established in the state,” he said in a Raya statement today.
“Generally, the state government understands the sensitivities involved, and hopes the people see the positive side of the overall implementation of the SOPs.”
Despite the various challenges posed by the coronavirus, he said, the state government, through the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department, is planning the construction of Masjid Bandaraya in Batu Kawan, Seberang Prai Selatan.
He said an application for an additional RM3.1 million allocation to realise the project has been submitted to the federal government for approval.
“To ensure that the development of Islam continues to be strengthened in the state, RM500,000 has been allocated under the state’s working committee for Islamic affairs this year.
“The empowerment of Islamic education institutions continues through the Kafa Menengah and Pulau Pinang Mengajar programmes, which have been pioneered for the past two years through the Penang Islamic Foundation.”
The state government is building a new Al-Itqan Education Centre on 1.2ha of wakaf land in Kg Masjid, Teluk Kumbar, said Chow.
He said it comprises four blocks housing 51 classrooms, as well as four science laboratories, with completion slated by end-2022.
The facility is expected to be fully operational by early 2023, he added.
“May Penang continue to be protected with well-being and prosperity, and bring blessings to all of us.” – The Vibes, May 12, 2021
