CORONAVIRUS | The Pakatan Harapan-led Penang government has appointed opposition leader Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor, who is also Umno's Sungai Dua assemblyperson, to the state security council committee which is coordinating the fight against Covid-19.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he reached out to Yusoff (photo) yesterday to be part of the high-level committee which he chairs.
"The special committee is responsible for all coordination work involving federal and state agencies in handling the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I have invited him to attend our meeting on Monday, March 30 at 9.30am in Komtar. I am pleased to inform that he has accepted both the appointment and invitation," Chow said in a statement.
The chief minister also announced an allocation of RM30,000 for every constituency, including opposition ones, to cope with the Covid-19 crisis.
"As I mentioned at the outset of this crisis, now is not the time for politics. We need to work together so that the people will receive the needed help, quickly and smoothly.
"In this aspect, the state government is providing a special allocation of RM30,000 to each of the 40 assemblypersons in Penang regardless of their political parties," he said.
Chow said he hoped that all assemblypersons, regardless of government or opposition, will work together in looking after the welfare, health, security and well-being of Penangites.
He also announced an RM300 incentive for frontliners dealing with Covid-19 in the state.
"While this is not much, the Malay proverb of hutang emas boleh dibayar, hutang budi dibawa mati (One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind) rings true, for only God can truly reward you for all that you have done for Penangites," he said.
Chow said the economic stimulus programme announced by the federal government yesterday, along with the state's Penang Aid Package, would be able to help the people during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
"Our main focus is to ensure all assistance and financial incentives will reach the target groups as soon as possible.
"For the Penang Aid Package, I promise that the financial assistance will be distributed in April, which is four days away," he said.
A movement control order was imposed beginning March 18 to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Non-essential businesses and services have been directed to close and people are discouraged from leaving home except for pressing reasons such as to restock on food supplies.
The order, which was initially set to end on March 31, has been extended to April 14. - Mkini
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