GEORGE TOWN – In an effort to expedite assistance to people affected by the Covid-19 crisis, the Penang government has launched the PgCare Alliance app in a joint venture with 18 civil groups.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the app, built on an existing platform used for contact tracing, has four main thrusts: mental health, employment, food and protection, and finance.
“This pandemic has been going on for almost two years, and there is no denying that many NGOs have come forward to provide assistance and work with the state government to help those affected,” he said at the PgCare Alliance launch at Komtar here yesterday.
“Although our state has entered Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan and strives to recover economically and socially, there have been many challenges and side impacts caused by the pandemic, especially on mental health.”
Among the 18 NGOs involved are D’Home, Befrienders Penang, Penang Sneham Malaysia Welfare Organisation, Penang Kiwanis Club, Penang Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society and JCI Penang.
PgCare Alliance will also see participation by agencies and industry associations including the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association, Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and Social Security Organisation.
Chow said the integrated digital platform will be established at each state constituency service centre and offices of the NGOs, to enable them to interact directly with target groups.
This will allow all parties to expedite and increase the assistance needed, avoid the duplication of resources, strengthen support, and complement one another, he said.
PgCare Alliance will be led by Chow, acting as adviser, and state environment and welfare exco Phee Boon Poh as chairman.
Details are available on its website and Facebook page. – The Vibes, August 12, 2021
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