PENANG has allocated RM20 million to help petty traders and hawkers affected by Putrajaya’s movement-control order, said Chow Kon Yeow.

The chief minister said the state government is fine-tuning arrangements to disburse the funds.

“We have set aside RM20 million, but how we plan to distribute this has not been finalised,” he told reporters in George Town today.

He said the allocation will help small-time sellers in this difficult period.

Though it is not a huge sum, he said, the state government wants to assure Penang folk that it stands with them in seeing the Covid-19 crisis through.

Last night, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the movement-control order, which takes effect tomorrow to March 31, to curb the coronavirus’ spread.

In these two weeks, all non-essential businesses will be closed, and Malaysians barred from leaving the country.

The announcement, which was televised, had led to confusion over the scope of the order. The National Security Council today issued a list of frequently asked questions.

Malaysia has seen a surge in infections, with 190 and 124 new cases reported on Sunday and yesterday, respectively.

The country has recorded a total of 553 patients, 511 of whom are still being treated in hospital.

The movement-control order issued due to the virus is the first such nationwide directive since the Emergency Orders in 1969. – March 17, 2020.