Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang hoped the federal government would reach out to help the various states, including Penang, that had recorded a surge in Covid-19 cases.

“I call on the new PM, new health minister and other related ministers to reach out to these states … whether it is to accelerate vaccination or taking measures in public health initiatives, to ensure the public healthcare facilities are adequate to meet the spike in Covid-19 cases,” he told a press conference here today.

He said there was now a higher Covid-19 death rate in Penang, and this should be the main concern for everyone.

Penang is experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases, recording 2,078 new cases yesterday for its highest ever daily figure since the pandemic began in March last year.

Penang also reported a record number of deaths at 31 yesterday.

Meanwhile, in a statement earlier, Chow said Penang would be receiving 200,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine donated by the Selangor government next Tuesday.

“We hope this contribution will accelerate the vaccination programme under the national Covid-19 immunisation programme,” he said.

He said the Penang government thanked the Selangor government for the donation as well as Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng for his initiative in obtaining the contribution.

However, he said the loan of 200,000 doses of the vaccine from Selangor was still pending approval from the science, technology and innovation ministry.

He said the Penang state secretary wrote to the ministry secretary-general yesterday on the approval for the loan and subsequent return of Covid-19 vaccines.

Yesterday, state health, agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin expressed her gratitude to Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari, Selangor health exco Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud and SelCare clinic for agreeing to lend Penang 200,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

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