GEORGE TOWN, Sept 9 — Factories and construction sites in Penang have contributed a major portion of COVID-19 cases in the state, state Housing, Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman, Jagdeep Singh Deo said today.
He said the local enforcement authorities have been constantly monitoring the premises throughout the state and taking firm action to curb the COVID-19 transmission.
Jagdeep said that as of this month, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has issued stop-work orders on five construction sites due to the COVID-19 cases detected.
“Three of the construction sites are located in the Northeast district and the other two in the Southwest district,” he told reporters at Dewan Sri Pinang, here.
He said other premises such as factories and markets would be shut down if there is at least one COVID-19 case found.
“Looking at the record-high number of COVID-19 cases in Penang yesterday, the state government has to up the ante and implement stricter enforcement and monitoring for public health and safety,” he added.
Yesterday, Penang recorded 2,474 COVID-19 cases, bringing the cumulative number to 100,906 in the state.
Earlier today, Phase 2 of the community mobile vaccination (MOVAK) programme was launched in Penang, aimed at vaccinating 5,200 licensed hawkers and traders throughout the state by Sept 12.
Licensed hawkers and traders can either pre-register to make an appointment for their vaccination or choose a walk-in at the dedicated vaccination centre in Dewan Sri Pinang, here, or Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth.
