GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has decided to reopen recreational parks in the state beginning Saturday after enjoying green state status close to four weeks.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced this after chairing the state Security Council Special Committee Meeting today.
The parks set to be reopened include the Youth Park, Taman Metropolitan Relau, Penang Botanical Garden, Bukit Jambul hiking area and hiking activities at Penang Hill from the heritage path at the lower station and the entrance of the jeep path (limited only to pedestrians).
"The operating hours are from 7am to 7pm and the number of visitors is restricted to 200 people at any one time except for Taman Metropolitan Relau where the restriction is set at 50 people.
"All visitors will need to individually register themselves using the QR Code via the PGCare application," he said in his daily message aired live over his official Facebook page today.
Chow, however, said all permanent Forest Reserves under the supervision of the Forestry Department — Taman Bukit Panchor, Teluk Bahang, Cherok Tokun, Hutan Pelajaran Air Hitam Dalam and Bukit Juru, including Taman Negara and recreational areas under Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), would remain closed.
He also said the state government was supportive should the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) be extended beyond June 9.
He however stressed that the extension would need to be in line with the socio-economic recovery and be subject to the decision of the Federal government.
"At the same time, based on this principle, state agencies are instructed to provide strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in preparation for the possibility of more socio-economic sectors being opened," he said.
The compliance of CMCO according to police is at 97.3 per cent which involves reports at 17 roadblocks and 108 personnel from the police monitoring team.
As of May 28, Chow said that 9,654 foreign workers had undergone the mandatory Covid-19 screening with all results coming back negative.
"The latest is that screenings were also conducted for those who are being held at Immigration Detention Depots.
"In general, all these measures are taken to maintain the green state status, which has become the main commitment of the state government," Chow added.