Penang prefers targeted MCO

A BALANCE must be struck between health and economic security should a decision be made to reintroduce the movement control order (MCO) in the state, said Penang local government committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo (pic).

He said any decision by the federal authority should be based on the state Health Department’s data and track record of the state government in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As of May 5 in our state exco meeting, we still have not decided.

“Our stand is that there must be a balance between health and economy in whatever decision we make, ” he said.

Jagdeep said if a blanket MCO was imposed, the economic sector would be affected again, adding that the ministry should be careful in its decision.

He said a targeted MCO at high-risk areas should be a preferred choice if a decision should be made instead of a blanket MCO on the whole state.

“The state government is also ready to assist the relevant ministry through various initiatives in the administration of vaccines once more are made available.

“We hope that the supply will be channelled to Penang as soon as possible, ” he added.

Jagdeep was speaking to reporters at the state police headquarters in George Town yesterday, where he handed over 850 packs of daily necessities to the police and state prison department personnel.

Present at the event were state police chief Comm Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan and state Prison director Roslan Mohamed.

Meanwhile, Comm Sahabudin said of 6,022 police personnel and officers, 86% of them had received their first jab of vaccines.

“Almost all of them have also received their second dose so far, ” he said.

All prison personnel have also received their first jab of vaccines.

Penang recorded 305 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, compared with 195 cases the day before.