CM: Penang can become leading manufacturing centre for Covid-19 medical supplies

CORONAVIRUS | Penang can become a leading manufacturing centre for Covid-19 medical supplies such as face masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, hand warmers and other necessary items, said chief minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said based on Penang's current strength as a "sophisticated" global manufacturing hub with a pool of knowledge and a high number of skilled workers, Penang wants to help health frontliners across Malaysia in the fight against Covid-19.

"In the meantime, we hope to grow stronger in the medical supply sector so as to provide jobs and generate income for the people," Chow said during his speech at the state legislative assembly today.

"Given the current strength of Penang as a food, agricultural and fisheries centre, Penang will work even harder to ensure that we can provide more food and processed food for all Malaysians in this long-term battle.

"Given the strength of Penang in the electronics and electrical industry today, we also want to step up further to drive innovation and production of technologies, tools and products that will help the people of Penang and Malaysia to enter the next normal after the era of the movement control order," Chow stressed.

Chow said all of these will be efforts by the Penang government after the end of the MCO.

The MCO has been extended to April 28, after it was implemented since March 18 throughout the nation.

Chow's remarks came after Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said on Tuesday that the current stock of various PPE items can last between 19 to 78 days.

Meanwhile, Chow expressed hope that the federal government will share this vision and look at the values ​​that Penang has for helping the country in the three areas outlined.

"The state government also pledged to implement economic reform by encouraging the use of digital platforms in the economic sector, continuing the implementation of development projects and intensifying efforts to attract foreign and domestic investment in the pursuit of increasing employment opportunities for the people," Chow said.

"In the post-Covid-19 era, the hygiene aspect is a must.

"This venture will require a whole-of-society effort through a cleaner, healthier and more caring Penang," he added.

"The state government through local authorities (PBT) will redouble efforts to ensure cleanliness in public places so that the people can enjoy a healthy life as usual."

Held at the Dewan Sri Pinang today, the state assembly observed one minute of silence for victims of Covid-19.

In Malaysia, there are 5,182 positive cases with 84 deaths. While in Penang, there are 119 cases, with one death so far. - Mkini