Image credit: The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The state government will switch from using its PGCare QR code system to the MySejahtera app for all business premises following the Federal Government's decision to make MySejahtera mandatory.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government took note of the announcement by the Federal government and that the mandatory usage of MySejahtera will be gazetted and enforced.
"I will raise this during the state exco meeting later today (Aug 5) and recommend that Penang abide with the federal government's decision so that there is one system," Chow said during a press conference held at his office in Komtar on Wednesday (Aug 5).
Chow, however, asked for a grace period for Penangites to get accustomed to the transition from PGCare to MySejahtera.
"We hope to be given until Aug 31 so that the PGCare apps users, as well as premises, can download the app and get the QR code.
"This is for the business premises to download the MySejahtera app and QR code so that people entering the premises can use it," said Chow.
Chow said so far the PGCare had been widely used in the state with 1.35 million registered users.
"We have 1.8 million Penangites, some of those who have used it may have been tourists from other states but the majority would have been Penangites," he said.
He said PGCare up till noon Wednesday, has seen 36,521 registered business premises.
"While since its implementation on May 15 this year, there have been 16.48 million check-ins using PGCare.
"It cost the state RM36,000 for the server for PGCare, there were no other incurred costs.
"PGCare played its role when the federal government did not come up with the app, I do know of some other states that have their own contact tracing apps which were effective as well," said Chow.
It was reported that the MySejahtera app was to be made mandatory for all business premises.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had said the regulation would be gazetted by the Attorney General's Chambers soon.
“We have made the decision that every business premises must use the MySejahtera app.
“It is all right if they want to use other apps in addition to the MySejahtera App such as SELangkah. But they must have the MySejahtera app.
“However, exemptions will be given to premises in rural areas or small towns that do not have stable Internet connectivity – they are allowed to keep manual records, ” he had added.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/08/05/penang-govt-to-switch-to-only-using-mysejahtera-app-following-federal-govt-decision