Reopening economy: Penang holding back until May 8

Penang will only reopen some parts of the economy on May 8 and will not follow the federal government's decision to do the same tomorrow.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (photo) said the decision was made in view of the advice from Health Ministry director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

Yesterday, Noor Hisham said the first week of the reopening of the economy should be used for planning and implementation of new rules issued by the National Security Council.

As such, businesses in Penang must use the coming days to prepare themselves as well as internalise the "Penang gradual recovery strategy" which will be finalised soon.

Chow said this was decided by the Special State Security Committee (JKKN) this morning.

"This means, tomorrow, May 4, the MCO rules are still in effect in Penang.

"In other words, only those who are allowed to operate their business during the first three phases of the MCO can continue doing so," he said.

Why May 8?

Chow said the state government needed four days to draw up enforcement plans.

He said the four days will provide employers, workers and parents time to plan.

"This includes preparing necessities such as hand sanitisers, social distancing measures and face masks, among others," he said.

Chow described the May 8 to 12 phase as the "fasa pembiasaan (acclimatisation phase)" for businesses to familiarise themselves with the "gradual recovery strategy".

He warned that during this phase, all MCO rules still applied and, therefore, people should stay home other than for work or buy necessities.

However, unlike the federal government guidelines, Chow said Penang would still not allow daycare centres to operate for now.