GEORGE TOWN: The state government today announced an additional RM55 million to its RM20 million Penang Relief Package, bringing it to RM75 million in total, to counter the Cover-19 pandemic.
The package, which comprises three main objectives and 16 initiatives, is set to benefit various segments of society particularly the frontline workers, individuals and businesses impacted by the Movement Control Order (MCO) which has been extended until April 14.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang Relief Package is aimed at providing immediate financial aid to the most vulnerable groups such as hawkers, petty traders, taxi drivers, trishaw riders, e-hailing providers, the disabled community and the B40 group.
“Secondly, we want to help the working group to stand on their own again to continue with efforts to look after themselves, their families and to help towards developing the state through productivity.
“We also want business continuity in Penang to ensure the state’s economy continues to grow post-MCO,” he said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the MCO, imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19, would be extended for another two weeks until April 14.
Malaysia is currently under a 14-day MCO which came into force on March 18 as a preventive measure to contain the spread of the Covid-19 infection.
Chow said the state had prepared itself to face such a scenario, and had put in place numerous plans in terms of human resources, logistics and supplies to minimise the impact on the people of Penang.
Chow said among the initiatives include a one-off RM500 financial aid to licensed hawkers and petty traders, licensed tour guides and recipients of the monthly state Welfare Department financial assistance.
He said similar financial aid would also be extended to pasar malam and pasar tani traders as well as food truck operators.
“Some 34,036 people are expected to benefit from this one-off RM500 financial aid, amounting to RM17.015 million,” he said.
He added that the scheduled financial incentive of RM300 to taxi drivers and trishaw riders, would be topped up by RM200 to RM500, which will be paid out next month.
A total of 2,248 taxi drivers and 318 trishaw riders will benefit from the assistance, at a cost of RM513,600.
Some 10,000 e-hailing providers will also be given a one-off RM300 financial aid.
Chow said as an additional assistance to the most vulnerable group, the state would also exempt monthly rental for state government-rented houses and PPR units for the month of April and May.
“This involves 4,860 housing units, at a cost of RM932,844.
“We will also exempt rental for state-owned and local authorities-run business premises for next month, involving some 10,999 business premises.
“All Village Community Management Councils (MPKK) have also been directed not to collect rental for pasar malam and pasar tani plots for next month, which will involve a cost of RM1.61 million,” he added.
He added that Penang Zakat had also set aside RM3 million to be given to hardcore poor as well as assistance for mosques and suraus.
Similarly, Chow said the state government would also provide a RM500 one-off financial aid to Covid-19 victims in the state and RM1,000 to those who died. A sum of RM300,000 has been set aside for the purpose.
Chow said to appreciate the hardwork of the frontline workers, the state government has agreed to give RM300 to frontline workers of the local authorities as well as those from Federal agencies and departments.
“Nearly 15,000 frontline workers will get the financial assistance. We are extremely grateful to them for their sacrifices in looking after our people,” he said, noting that RM10 million has also been set aside for the purchase of personal safety equipments.
As for businesses affected, Chow said the state government would introduce the Penang Business Continuity Zero Interest Loan to assist the micro entrepreneurs and small and medium-size entrepreneurs.
Realising that the allocation announced may not reached each segment of society, Chow said each elected representatives would be given additional RM30,000 allocation for emergency aid for the local community
Finally, Chow said the state government would also defer payment for parcel rents, state government’s housing rental scheme as well as several other loans.
“We have done what we can to help the people. We hope the private sector will also do what is necessary to in efforts to heal the state’s economy.
“We have also handed out numerous incentives to the various businesses and hope that they will continue to sustain their businesses .
“We are facing trying times and I hope the each and every one will continue to play their part to help develop the state and the country,” he added.