CORONAVIRUS | Penang will not declare an enhanced movement control order (MCO) in any locality, said its chief minister Chow Kon Yeow in his speech at the state legislative assembly today.
Speaking at the Dewan Sri Pinang, Chow said the situation is "under control and closely monitored" by close cooperation between the various agencies under the Covid-19 Taskforce and Penang Security Committee.
In relation to finances, Chow said so far, contributions to the Penang Covid-19 Fund has touched RM2,408,268.73
"Contributions continue to pour into the fund, we thank all donors for their help," Chow said.
To combat the pandemic, Penang announced an RM75 million People's Aid Package on March 25, to help various target groups, especially the poor, hawkers, small-time traders, e-hailing drivers and the handicapped.
As of yesterday, world figures for Covid-19 remains at 2,029,930 cases with 136,320 deaths which Chow described as "very frightening".
In Malaysia, there are 5,182 positive cases with 84 deaths. While in Penang, there are 119 cases, with one death so far.
Chow said, "direct trade or business continuity" in Penang will continue to be practised even after the movement control order is lifted or beyond April 28.
He noted that health experts have claimed that the virus will continue to spread for at least 18 months.
"Due to the uncertainty, Malaysians are faced with a new normal where the use of technology like Internet of Things (IoT), big data dan Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be enhanced, " he said.
Chow said Penang is determined to face the new situation in which all sectors will suffer an economic downturn.
The state is as such, putting together a "Strategic Next Normal" plan to move Penang forward.
"The plan will balance between public health and economic health.
"The strategy comprises three missions which include to strengthen the state's eco-system to face the changes in the 21st century and to build resilience to overcome any crisis in the future.
"This strategy will see a renewal in institutions, as well as the economy and social welfare in Penang," he added.
Chow said these strategies are already implemented in Penang via several programmes initiated by the two local councils - Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai City Council.
For example, tomorrow, the Penang Youth Development Council will organise an e-sports event, dubbed the "Stay at Home League".
On Monday, Digital Penang will organise a virtual round table called “PLC19 eCrowdSource: Hacking the Next Normal” where computer geeks, engineers and coders will gather virtually to discuss technology to face challenges in the future.
"State agencies like Penang Development Centre and InvestPenang will be invited to discuss their capacity and output in the future." - Mkini
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