While the movement control order is in place, workers from the Penang Island City Council have started to disinfect hawker centres in George Town. Chow (fourth right) with fellow state exco members speaking at the press conference to announce the ‘Penang Lawan Covid-19’ campaign at Komtar, George Town. THE state government has set aside an additional budget of RM20mil as incentive to small-time traders and businesses as well as hawkers who may be impacted by the movement control order.Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government was looking at ways to help those affected by easing their burden.“This incentive may not involve a huge sum but this is our way of telling the people that we care for them and we are with them in these trying times.“We will look into the best mechanism on how we can distribute this incentive to those impacted by the movement order, brought about by the worsening Covid-19 outbreak,” he said at a press conference at his office in Komtar on Tuesday.Chow said the state government welcomed and would fully abide by the 14-day movement control order as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.“I urge Penangites to give their full cooperation during the period.“We are fully committed to battling the spread of Covid-19.“What is important is that we do it right the first time,” he said.Chow said the prohibition on all gatherings, including religious assemblies, sports, social and cultural activities, has been implemented in the state and the closure of non-essential services would be implemented accordingly.Chow said state tourism development committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin had directed Penang Global Tourism to halt all tourism-based promotional and marketing programmes with regard to the ban on foreign travel for Malaysians and foreign tourists from entering the country.“The state would ensure that the closure of preschools, public and private schools, pre-university institutions and all public and private tertiary institutions is implemented.“On the closure of all government and private sector offices, except for those dealing in essential services, civil servants who are not involved in essential services will discharge their duties from home and be on stand-by in case they are needed.“All service centres of elected representatives will be closed but workers will be on stand-by if needed.“As for me and my fellow state exco members, all of us will work as normal as we will be having daily meetings on updates of the Covid-19,” he said.When asked if factories in the state would remain operational, Chow said it would be up to the Federal Government to decide on the matter.

Source: The Star March 20, 2020 00:33 UTC