Essential service businesses in Penang only allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm daily during MCO, says CM

GEORGE TOWN: Taking further action to ensure the safety of Penangites in light of the Covid-19 outbreak, essential service businesses in the state will now only be allowed to operate from 6am to 8pm daily, says Chow Kon Yeow.

The Chief Minister said he had come up with the idea which was discussed by the relevant agencies during the daily "Fight Against Covid-19" meeting on Tuesday (March 24).

"I suggested the idea that these businesses be open between 6am and 8pm only until the movement control order (MCO) ends on March 31.

"All the agencies present during the meeting supported the idea.

"This will come into effect from Wednesday (March 25)," he said in his daily announcement via Facebook Live.

Since the MCO began, Chow has stopped holding press conferences and only spoken publicly via Facebook.

He further announced that the free Congestion Alleviation Transport (CAT) Rapid Penang bus services would no longer operate during the MCO.

"There will not be any CAT operations during the remainder of the MCO.

"We hope that Penangites are made aware of this," he said.

Chow added that he understood that everyone was affected by the MCO and the whole state was in this together and would support its people.

Yesterday, Chow said that Rapid Penang bus services would be reduced by 70% from now onwards, while the free CAT Rapid Penang bus services would be reduced by 50%.