GEORGE TOWN – Penang plans on utilising digitalisation and other technology to face the endemic stage of Covid-19.
Speaking at a Digital Penang dialogue session here, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the areas that the state government is looking at include surveillance, where these investments will be reflected in its 2022 budget.
Chow said the economic situation in Penang is improving, with congestion back on the roads and hotels recording impressive occupancy rates, but the state must be well equipped to handle Covid-19 even if the number of cases drops.
“Our strategy is to dramatically shift towards technology in preparing Penang for endemicity, which will be reflected in our 2022 budget,” he said.
The Padang Kota assemblyman also spoke on asking the Health Ministry to share its data, as Penang needs it to help in the reopening and rebuilding of the state economy.
“If this Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we need to work together despite our differences, and adopt ideas from everywhere and anywhere.”
Currently, close to 95% of the adult population registered under MySejahtera have been fully vaccinated, according to CovidNow.
New cases have dropped to just 270 today, with active cases at 3,471 and just one death.
Total fatalities attributed to Covid-19 in Penang stood at 1,590, as of noon today.
Later, Chow launched the ride-sharing app developed by budget carrier AirAsia Group Bhd called the “AirAsia Ride”, which is the latest e-hailing service here.
He said the service is another alternative for tourists – and even local residents – to use in travelling around Penang.
Also present at the event were AirAsia Ride chief executive officer Lim Chiew Shan and AirAsia Super App head of delivery (e-commerce) Lim Ben-Jie.
“I was made to understand that there are some options under the ‘driver selection’, whereby riders are able to choose their drivers. They can choose (between) the airline’s pilots, cabin crew, female drivers, as well as disabled drivers,” Chow noted.
Chiew Shan said the ride-sharing app is focused on providing a “driver-forward” strategy that enables drivers to improve their overall income and enjoy a better quality of life, with as much as 85% of the fee going directly to them.
There are some 200 registered AirAsia Ride drivers in Penang and approximately 3,000 active drivers in the country.
“Drivers have the flexibility to choose the frequency and volume of bookings, according to their preference and availability.
“They will also have the advantage of leveraging the airline brand to secure customers travelling to and from the airport,” said Chiew Shan. – The Vibes, October 31, 2021.
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