GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has urged the people of Penang to strictly abide by the two-week Movement Control Order which takes effect today.
This came after groups of people were caught eating in hawker centres in Air Itam and Jalan Perak, among others, earlier this morning.
Several factories in Bagan Lepas near here, which are not those dealing in essential services, were also caught operating as usual.
“While I understand that this is only the first day and the people may need time to adapt to this new order, it is vital for them to strictly abide by it or risk paying a high price.
“As such, we appeal to the people to make personal sacrifices for 14 days from today. If we are triumphant in bringing down the number of Covid-19 cases, then there is no need for us to go through more stringent measures.
“Ultimately, what is important is for us to do it right the very first time,” he told newsmen at his office in Komtar here today.
Elaborating, Chow said these factories should not force their workers to come to work when the order had been issued.
At the event, Chow represented the Penang government in handing over 10 boxes of personal protective equipment in the form of operation gowns to Penang Hospital.
On hand to receive it was Penang Hospital’s chief assistant director (management) M. Surentharan.
“This is our way of showing our love and care to our frontliners who are working tirelessly to fight the spread of Covid-19.
“We will continue to give our fullest support to the state Health Department to ensure they have adequate equipment to fight the virus,”” he said, paying tribute to the “unsung heroes”.
Meanwhile, asked why he was not invited to a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the MCO and Covid-19 pandemic held yesterday, Chow said he was not interested to answer as this was not a political issue.
“This involves public health, the welfare of the people of Penang and the future of the country.
“We should focus on fighting the Covid-19.
“As you can see, here in Penang, we have taken our own initiatives to fight the virus,” he added.
It was reported that an oversight by Chief Secretary Datuk Seri Mohd Zuki Ali’s secretariat resulted in invitations being only extended to Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers from components of the ruling Perikatan Nasional coalition.
Mohd Zuki had said that only the state development directors were invited for Penang, Kedah, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Sabah.
Muhyiddin had instructed that all Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers be invited to the special meeting.