GEORGE TOWN – A viral message on social media stating that Equatorial Hotel will be opening its doors to those aiming to choose their booster shots of either AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Sinovac vaccines via walk-in have become a point of contention between individual doctors and healthcare provider ProtectHealth.
Individual doctors in charge of the off-site vaccination centre (PPV) at the iconic hotel confirmed with The Vibes that although the PPV will start operating tomorrow, they will still prioritise MySejahtera appointments first.
It is learnt that ProtectHealth is reluctant to promote walk-ins for the fear that the public may not be able to comply with the present standard operating procedures.
As a result, the doctors who spoke on the condition of anonymity clarified the false nature of the viral message that stated those who are keen to receive their choice of vaccines at Equatorial Hotel starting tomorrow can do so.
However, they added that walk-ins for booster doses at the particular PPV will only be decided at a later date.
“All doctors will strictly follow the list given by ProtectHealth. Walk-ins will only be slotted daily if there are any appointment cancellations.”
Meanwhile, another PPV located within the district at Sunshine Square has started promoting walk-ins from 9am to 4pm between Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on weekends.
Following negotiations between the Penang Health Department and health exco Dr Norlela Ariffin over the availability of walk-ins, the latter sought to clear the air, stating that Hotel Equatorial’s PPV will be open tomorrow and 400 appointments under My Sejahtera have been confirmed.
The PPV is able to vaccinate up to 1,500 people a day.
The initial list provided by Protect Health did not include Hotel Equatorial as one of the off-site PPVs.
The listed locations in Penang include Dewan Mentari Sunshine Bertam in Seberang Prai Utara, Tapak Ekspo in Seberang Jaya, Flextronics in Seberang Prai, Dewan Serbaguna Taman Guar Perahu (Dewan Pintar) in Seberang Prai Tengah, Dewan MPKK Bandar Cassia and Vervea Trade & Exhibition Centre in Seberang Perai Selatan, Tapak Pesta Sg Nibong and Penang Youth Centre, Lebuh Acheh, in the northeast district, and Sunshine Banquet Hall in the southwest district.
After several enquiries by Dr Norlela, the Hotel Equatorial PPV was added to the list under the southwest district.
Meanwhile, Dr Norlela affirmed that there has been no increase of Omicron cases in Penang under the umrah cluster.
“There are only two cases for now.”
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin reportedly said the ministry has yet to pinpoint the extent the infections have affected the community thus far. – The Vibes, January 3, 2022
MCPF Seberang Perai Tengah DLC and AADK SPT co-organized a Training of Trainer (TOT) Program at Dewan Pintar, Taman Guar Perahu on 16th October 2022. The attendees included YB Hjh Dr. Norlela Ariffin (State Assemblyman [ADUN] for Penanti) who officiated the Program, Encik Nur Ariff Fadzlin (Ketua Segmen Keselamatan AADK SPT); Ridzuan Md Zain (Chairman MCPF SPT DLC), Munusamy Muniandy (Chairman MCPF SPU DLC), Jacob Pao (Secretary, MCPF SPT DLC), other MCPF SPT DLC Members, AADK SPT Members and 42 Participants from Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT), Majlis Pengurusan Komuniti Kampung (MPKK), Khariah / Mosque officials and Jabatan Pembangunan Wanita dan Keluarga (JPWK). Speakers from MCPF SPT DLC were Jacob Pao and Ridzuan Md Zain. Their Ceremah encompassed practical awareness of ‘Self-Defense according to the Law’. This Program positively helped participants to be more cognizant of the theoretical and practical aspects of Citizens Arrest. Well done MCPF SPT DLC and AADK SPT!
The 3rd MCPF Timur Laut DLC Meeting for 2022 was held at the Bilik Mesyuarat Utama of IPD Timur Laut on 18th October 2022. In attendance from MCPF Timur Laut DLC were Felix Chuah Gim Chuan (Chairman), Dato’ Mohd Nashir bin Ya (Vice-Chairman [II]), Ronald Cecil Aeria (Secretary), Kathiraveloo a/l Thangiah (Treasurer), Peter Paul Arokiyasamy (Committee), Teoh Kheng Tatt (Committee) and Zul Fakhry Zulkifli (rep to PPD TL). MCPF Timur Laut DLC Advisor YDH ACP Soffian bin Santong (OCPF, Timur Laut) led a strong PDRM contingent to show its collaborative support. Other PDRM Timur Laut Officers in attendance included Supt. Saravanan a/l Velu (Deputy OCPD, Timur Laut), DSP Syamsul bin Sinring (Head of BPJKK / MCPF TLDLC Vice-Chairman [I] ex-officio), DSP Tharhizi bin Omar (Traffic), ASP Devan a/l Raman (CCID), Insp Hafiz bin Mohd Yuzaidi (CID), Insp Othman Azlan bin Abdul Kadir (CCID) and Insp. Mohd Ikhwan Hafiz bin Mohd Yuzaidi (Narcotics Crime Investigation). Amongst the focus topics discussed were the current concerns with Cybercrime where ACP Soffian bin Santong shared plans to invite various Government Departments, BNM / bankers to address the challenges involved. He also covered issues pertaining to Drug abuse particularly in schools. Felix Chuah shared the AADK led efforts on Drug Awareness and Programs at Mukim 13, Desa Mawar to be conducted in November 2022 and that the involvement of PDRM, MPKK and CDERT Air Itam was essential. Felix also emphasized on MCPF Penang’s advocacy to address Child Abuse. It was a positive DLC Meeting with ACP Soffian bin Santong expressing support for increased involvement of MCPF TL in various programs.
By: Fauzi Suhaimi
SEBERANG PERAI, 27 Mac 2022 – The organization of the National Anti-Drug Day (NADD) 2022 memorial program at the Penang State level has increased the cooperation and spirit of unity between all parties in combating the symptoms of drug addiction.
Director of the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA), Tuan Sutekno Ahmad Belon said, the program unites leaders and the people in carrying the same message that is to reduce drug addiction and improve recovery.
“This noble initiative is the best medium to remind us all that the drug problem must be addressed firmly and integrated so that the threat of drugs does not continue to invade our community entities to the point of destroying more individual minds and souls.”
“The involvement and commitment of all those involved in this program clearly shows the unity of Malaysians, especially the people of Penang as a Malaysian Family united in combating the drug issues which destroy the nation, religion and country,” he said in his NADD 2022 speech in the memorial program at the Penang State level. The program was held at Dewan Pintar, Taman Guar Perahu, Penanti, Seberang Perai, Penang, on Saturday.
Tuan Sutekno (left) giving a briefing to YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow (right) at the NADD 2022 Penang Level in Seberang Prai here recently. – Figure of NADA / Muhammad Amir Zahien Amran
Earlier, the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow officiated the program which was also attended by the Penang State Exco, Dr. Norlela Ariffin; Mayor, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Dato’ Azhar Arshad and Penang NADA Director, Elmariah Chung.
In the meantime, Tuan Sutekno added, the spirit of cooperation is able to combat the threat of country’s number one enemy regardless of cultural background, religion and political affiliation.
“We are connected in the diversity, and that we must make this unity as the mainstay of the collaborative partnership between leaders, government agencies, and the general public in confronting the drug problem,” he said.
Meanwhile, YAB Kon Yeow stated that the celebration was a demonstration of all parties’ willingness to taking the drug problem seriously.
Various activities were held in conjunction with the 2022 NADD Penang State Level memorial celebration.
The commitment was manifested through the setting of a 5 -Year Focus under the Strategi Penang Lawan Ancaman Dadah (PLAD) through the Penang NADA in collaboration with the State Government towards realizing the 2025 Controlled Drugs Goals.
In addition, he also expressed his appreciation in mobilizing various efforts to make the Mukim 21 Greening Initiative a success in the state.
At the ceremony, YAB Kon Yeow also presented certificates of appreciation to 50 people comprising Government Departments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Leaders, and launched the Penang Anti -Drug SQUAD Vest in an effort to help NADA in conveying information on drug abuse among the local community.
The ceremony was also involving the Penang State Exco and Penang State Assemblyman, Dr. Norlela Ariffin; Mayor, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Dato ’Azhar Arshad; Seberang Perai Tengah District Officer, Kamarul Haizal Koderat; AADK Prevention Division Director, Zainudin Abdullah and AADK Penang Director, Elmariah Chung.
