HANDOVER CEREMONY OF 2 SWAB ROOMS FROM THE ROYAL THAI CONSULATE-GENERAL IN PENANG TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF PENANG
SPEECH BY YAB CHOW KON YEOW, CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
HANDOVER CEREMONY OF 2 SWAB ROOMS FROM THE ROYAL THAI CONSULATE-GENERAL IN PENANG TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF PENANG
19 JUNE 2020, PENANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
His Excellency Mr. Raschada Jiwalai, Consul-General of Thailand in Penang,
YB Yeoh Soon Hin, State Executive Councillor for Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts,
YB Dr Norlela Ariffin, State Executive Councillor for Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Health,
Dr. Asmayani Khalib, Director of Penang State Health Department
Dr. Izani Uzair Zubair, Health Officer, Penang International Point Health Office
Encik Mohd Nadzim Hashim, Senior Airport Manager of Penang International Airport
Representatives from SCG International (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
- Lee Sze En
- Lee Sek Koon
- Koh Juin Yang
Dato’ Loh Eng Wee and Dato’ Ong Kok Sun, Commissioners of Tzu Chi
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good afternoon. As we stand here today with social distancing measures in place, we have to constantly remind ourselves, our families and friends that the fight against Covid-19 is far from over.
While Malaysia is in the Recovery Movement Control Order phase until 31 August 2020, countries worldwide are still recording high numbers of new infections and the mortality rate continues to climb. In fact, we are concerned to read about Beijing racing against a new wave of Covid-19 cases.
Especially with international borders now slowly reopening around the world and economic activities resuming albeit at a slower pace than before, the chances of a second wave of Covid-19 cases is a formidable threat to everyone. For Penangites, our status as a Green state since 8 May 2020 is an achievement that was won through concerted effort and teamwork from all segments of society in the state. It remains a challenge for all of us to maintain this achievement for as long as possible.
However, we are also blessed that we are not fighting alone against this invisible force. The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang has been instrumental in their cooperation with SCG International (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. to bring into Penang today, 2 mobile units of the Negative Pressure Isolation Chamber. I was made to understand that this innovation has been used in 20 hospitals in Thailand. It separates the area between the doctor and the person being screened by using appropriate pressure and air quality control system as well as a portable disinfection system to prevent the spread of germs.
These Swab Rooms, as they are commonly referred to, will be placed at Penang International Airport’s International Arrival area. It is a most welcomed news for our frontliners involved in the screening process as we have started to receive international arrivals since yesterday.
Your Excellency, this generous contribution is one that we are grateful for and yet another testament of the long-standing warm friendship between the Kingdom of Thailand and Penang. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May our nations and the world emerge victorious in this fight against Covid-19.
Thank you.