Chow says nominations for the Community Award are open to everyone living in Penang, including foreigners. – KT GOH/The Star
Penang government is honouring individuals who are selfless, heroic, kind, giving and compassionate, especially during trying times like the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you know of someone who fits the bill, nominate them for the state’s “Community Award”.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said many had stepped up to selflessly help those in need, especially when there were so many who faced health, social and financial challenges.
“We think of them as our heroes as they have offered their time and resources to those in need through various channels, not just during the pandemic, but in general.
“We would like to recognise their contributions through our ‘Community Award’,” he said at a press conference in Komtar, George Town, Penang.
The Community Award falls under the “Love Penang” programme which recognises Penangites for their humanity.
Chow said nominations for the award were open to everyone living in Penang, including foreigners who reside there, adding that people could also nominate themselves at www.lovepg.my
“If you know of anyone who fits these criteria, share their story with us and nominate them for the RM500 award.
“There will be a vetting process based on the set terms and conditions.
“Currently, there is no limit to the number of winners as it is up to the panel of five from various local non-governmental organisations to decide,” he said.
On a separate matter, Chow announced that the state government had ordered Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to conduct a post-mortem on the recent water supply crisis.
“I have asked for an investigation on the water supply crisis to be carried out.
“They (PBAPP) will present their findings at the next state exco meeting,” he said.
The Sungai Dua water treatment plant was temporarily shut down due to high turbidity readings from Sungai Muda following the recent floods in Baling, Kedah.
Chow said Penang government was aware of MCA’s request for a rebate for all those affected, but for now, no further discussions had been made.
“Apart from consumers, PBAPP was also affected by the incident because the floods in Baling caused Sungai Muda’s raw water to be murky and unsafe.
“All 400 PBAPP employees worked round the clock during the water crisis, to restore water supply.
“During that time, PBAPP incurred mobilisation costs and such to resolve the crisis,” he added.
Chow said that while the state and PBAPP took to Facebook to provide updates on the water supply disruption, he acknowledged that there might have been weaknesses in terms of communication.
