GEORGE TOWN: Penang is open to the idea of restricting business operation hours to between 7pm and 7am if its people do not fully abide by the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, however, said there is no need to resort to the move at the moment.
“We feel that if people fully comply with the MCO, then there is no need for us to do so.
“However, we are open to the suggestion, and if need be, the local councils will implement it,” he said when giving daily updates on the Covid-19 crisis at the state level here, today.
Pahang announced on Thursday that it will restrict business hours in five districts – Kuantan, Pekan, Jerantut, Temerloh and Bentong – with Covid-19 cases beginning March 21. All business operations in the five districts will be closed from 7pm to 7am.
Asked about MCO compliance levels by Penangites, Chow said it is satisfactory for now.
“The police have set up more road blocks since yesterday and the local authorities have been going around to check on business premises.
“They are ensuring that the people fully comply with the MCO.
“And with the announcement that the army may be roped in, I am sure the level of compliance will further improve,” he said.
Today is the third day of the implementation of the MCO, which ends on March 31.
Meanwhile, Chow also paid tribute to the state’s civil servants who have been working tirelessly to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
“As an appreciation, we will pay out early salary to all of them. They will be getting their salary today,” he added.
On another matter, Chow said he will be in Putrajaya this afternoon to attend a special meeting on the MCO and Covid-19 pandemic.
In representing the people of Penang, the Chief Minister said he will raise four pertinent issues during the meeting.
“Firstly, we will ask the federal government to implement more stringent enforcement against factories which are allowed to operate during this time following confusion in recent days.
“This is because the manufacturing sector is a very important part of the state.
“Without clear details, people will continue to be confused,” he added.
He will also urge the federal government to ensure sufficient medical supplies are available in the state’s hospitals and clinics.
Chow said he will also raise the issue of a shortage of face masks, thermometers and hand sanitisers in the state.
“We will ask the federal government to provide us with the stock so that we can distribute them to sectors in need of them.
“Also, we will inquire about the status of our application for RM30 million from the economic stimulus package tabled by former Prime Minister (Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad).
“Indeed, we are the first state to welcome the federal government’s announcement of the MCO and offer our cooperation.
“For us, this is a serious matter involving the people and there is no room for political differences in this,” he added.