BUTTERWORTH: The donation of 20,000 vaccine doses by the Selangor government to Penang is a symbol of solidarity in the fight against Covid-19, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

       He described the gesture as timely in conjunction with National Day.

       “This is a sign of solidarity between the people of two states in the fight against Covid-19, and we appreciate this contribution from Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

       On Saturday, it was reported that the state was expecting to receive 220,000 doses of vaccine from Selangor.

       State health committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin had said that 200,000 doses would be “loaned” by Selangor, with the remaining 20,000 doses to be donated.As of Monday, about 1.14 million people (64.4%) in Penang had received their first dose.

       At the same press conference, Amirudin said there was a need to expedite vaccinations in the states.

       He said based on Selangor’s experience, the usage of hospital beds was reduced to about 50% capacity since the vaccination exercise was expedited there.