GEORGE TOWN – Penang has recorded 53 cases of suicide between January and May, of which 19 were attempts, prompting concern from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
In a statement today, he said the matter will be highlighted to the state Health Department to ensure mental health is given emphasis.
Meanwhile, Chow announced the opening of six more vaccination centres (PPVs) under the Covid-19 Public-Private Partnership Industrial Immunisation Programme (Pikas).
The six PPVs are at the Equatorial Hotel that will open on June 28, field PPVs involving Intel Technology Sdn Bhd, Jabil Circuits Sdn Bhd, Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, Inari Amerton Bhd, and the current PPV at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort that has been operating since June 16.
He said Penang is still showing high levels of Covid-19 infections in the workplace – 27 factory clusters and three non-factory ones; construction site (2); community (2); detention centres (1) and religious (1).
“In terms of enforcement, a total of 101 factories have been ordered to close due to the spread of Covid-19 infection in the period from January to June 20 this year, with the highest statistic of 45 in the Seberang Prai Tengah district; Southwest (36); Seberang Prai Selatan (14); and, three each in Seberang Prai Utara and Timur Laut.”
He added a total of 3,513 residents and caregivers of care centres for the elderly have received vaccinations, involving 93 care centres in the state.
Those facing mental health issues can call Talian Kasih at 15999, or reach out to Befrienders at 03-7627-2929 or [email protected] for support. – The Vibes, June 21, 2021
