GEORGE TOWN – Penang is not doing enough to combat the latest Covid-19 wave, said Afif Bahardin today, calling on excos, especially Norlela Ariffin, who is in charge of health, to go down to the ground and ensure local authorities’ anti-virus measures are truly effective.
Afif, who previously held the public health portfolio, said he would be “very busy during this time” if he were still in the post.
“I would definitely ‘turun padang’ (go to the ground) to see the issues for myself. Maybe our methods are different.”
With the state having lost its green-zone status, he said, efforts to fight the virus should go beyond distributing masks or coming up with slogans like “Penang Lawan Covid”.
Proactive measures, such as reducing the number of people in foreign workers’ living quarters and preventing overcrowding in prisons, must be taken, he said.
“Hopefully, with these proactive actions, Penang will emerge as a green state again.”
Earlier, he led civil society groups Nation of Women, Penggerak and Pemuda Negara in handing over 1,000 pieces of protective gear to Penang Remand Prison officials here.
The facility’s supervisor, Asman Husain, said health and safety standard operating procedures were being observed even before the prison recorded its first coronavirus case.
He said the prison has received aid from both the state government and civil society.
“There are currently no issues in terms of food, but we do need more PPE (personal protective equipment) and masks.
“We have 2,305 inmates, and these are the masks needed for one day, not including (those for) prison officials.
“The PPE is for the 300 wardens who are on three shifts daily. Plus, the PPE is not suitable for prolonged use. We need around 300 to 400 a day, depending on the situation.”
He said there is currently enough protective gear to last the week, but expressed worry should the enhanced movement control order imposed on the prison on October 12 be extended.
Mineral water is also needed, he said, as supply is “currently cut”.
Penang Remand Prison has recorded 291 infections among inmates, and Seberang Prai Prison, 27. – The Vibes, October 19, 2020
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