Latest news with #Gooi
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Public healthcare network making good progress
THREE key expansion projects of Penang Hospital with a combined value of RM758mil, are currently progressing at various stages. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the first project, the Women and Children's Block, had reach 34.35% completion as of May 22. 'The first project worth RM307mil is scheduled for completion in January 2026,' he said in a press conference after a site visit at Jalan Residensi. Gooi said the project was being implemented under a design-and-build tender system and included the construction of a 12-storey parking complex and an 8-storey hospital building with a 329-bed capacity alongside various specialised healthcare services. The parking complex, he added, would be able to accommodate 449 cars at one time. Gooi said the second project, the new Stem Cell Services Centre Block, valued at RM23mil, was expected to be completed by March 2027. 'Additional infrastructure includes 25 parking bays, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room) and utility upgrades. 'This project is 10.19% completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027,' he said The Women and Children Block is 34.35% completed as of May 22. It is expected to be ready by January next year. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star The project, he elaborated, was being carried out using the conventional method under the supervision of the Public Works Department (JKR). He said the facility would enhance transplant-related services, including apheresis units, stem cell laboratories and other support facilities. 'The third project, the Specialist Clinic and Ward Block, with a budget of RM428mil, is projected to be completed by May 2029. 'The project is being developed through a conventional approach under JKR, where the 14-storey block will house specialist outpatient clinics and wards with a capacity of 216 beds,' he said. He added that the project currently stood at 3.33% progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029. Gooi said these expansion projects, when ready, would mark a significant enhancement to the state's healthcare system and facilities. The projects represented strategic investments by the Federal Government to upgrade public healthcare infrastructure in the state under the 10th and 11th Malaysia plans, he said. 'We are grateful to the Federal Government for approving these allocations. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing healthcare services for the people of Penang.' Gooi said the developments would not only strengthen Penang's healthcare system but also significantly improve the quality of medical services for its residents. He said the state government, through his office, remained committed to enhancing the public healthcare network, closing the gap in treatment accessibility and ensuring quality, equitable and comprehensive services for all. Gooi added that these initiatives aligned with the Penang2030 vision and the Malaysia Madani framework, which prioritised values of well-being, justice and compassion in the delivery of public services. Penang Hospital is one of the oldest public hospitals in Malaysia, with a history dating back to the colonial era. Located in George Town, it is the largest government hospital in the northern region and is a tertiary referral centre for Penang, Kedah, Perlis and northern Perak. It was established in the 19th century during British rule to serve the growing population in Penang, which was then an important trading hub. Post-independence, the hospital underwent several modernisation projects, with the addition of new medical departments, specialist units, and upgraded facilities. Over the decades, it expanded to provide specialist medical care, catering to the increasing healthcare demands. The hospital also played a crucial role in handling major health crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic where it served as a key treatment centre.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Three major health projects underway at Penang Hospital
GEORGE TOWN: Three health projects are ongoing at Penang Hospital here, backed by a federal allocation of RM758 million under the Malaysia Plan. State Youth, Sport and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said these projects represented a critical upgrade to the state's healthcare infrastructure. The three projects are the RM307 million women and children's block, the RM23 million stem cell services block and the RM428 million specialist clinic and ward block. Gooi said the women and children's block involved demolishing the existing block and constructing an eight-storey hospital building with 329 beds and a 12-storey car park with 449 parking bays. "It includes major services such as outpatient and inpatient care, diagnostic and treatment units, medical support services, administrative offices, and public amenities including a cafeteria, surau and playground. "This block will consolidate all women and children's services, reducing congestion and eliminating the need for patients to access the main hospital block. "The project is currently 34.35 per cent completed as of May 22, and is targeted for completion by January 2026," he said during a visit to the women and children's block construction site here today. Gooi said the stem cell services block was aimed at upgrading stem cell transplant services, including allogeneic bone marrow transplant facilities, apheresis units and stem cell labs. He said additional infrastructure included 25 parking lots, a covered connecting bridge, support buildings (including a waste house and M&E room), and utility upgrades. "This project is 10.19 per cent completed as of May 29, with completion scheduled for March 2027. "As for the specialist clinic and ward block, this 14-storey building will house specialist clinics (levels 1–11) and wards (levels 12–14) with 216 beds, along with parking on levels 2–7 and mechanical facilities in the basement. "The project currently stands at 3.33 per cent progress as of May 20, with completion targeted for May 2029," he added. Gooi said that despite earlier delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and handover constraints, construction had picked up pace, particularly following the piling phase. He said the implementation of the Industrialised Building System was expected to accelerate progress. "These upgrades will enhance public healthcare access, reduce overcrowding and resolve long-standing parking issues at the hospital. "These developments reflect the government's commitment to a more equitable, high-quality healthcare system," he said. Gooi said they would continue to strengthen public health infrastructure to ensure no one is left behind.
The Star
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Penang mulling ban on sales of vape, e-cigarette products
GEORGE TOWN: Penang may ban the sales of vape and e-cigarette products if current enforcement efforts prove ineffective. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi the state is monitoring the enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024, which includes a mechanism to regulate sales of vape and e-cigarette products. The Act was introduced in Oct 1, 2024. "Let the regulatory mechanism for e-cigarettes and vape products, introduced under the Act, be fully implemented first. 'We are now in the product registration phase for these items. Full enforcement of the Act is scheduled to begin on Oct 1, 2025. 'We will only consider a state-wide ban on vape and e-cigarette sales if the impact of the enforcement is not good enough. "This is to ensure the health and well-being of Penangites, especially our youth," he said during his winding-up speech at the state assembly session on Monday (May 19). The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 imposes strict regulations on the use, sale and display of smoking products in Malaysia. The law designates various places such as entertainment centres, hospitals, clinics, public toilets and air-conditioned shops as no-smoking zones. It prohibits the sale of all vape and tobacco products within 40m of any school or university and also bans online or vending machine sales. He said there are around 200 vape shops operating in the state. 'We also have regulatory authority under the Local Government Act to oversee the sale of disposable vape pods in convenience stores,' he said. Gooi said the state government would review the enforcement mechanism and develop a targeted strategy to curb vape use at state level. 'This issue must be addressed strategically to prevent unintended consequences, such as illegal sales and smuggling,' he added.
The Star
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Penang National Youth Day programmes ‘Yakin Boleh' attract 70,000 attendees, says Gooi
GEORGE TOWN: Penang will celebrate the state-level National Youth Day 2025 on May 17 and 18 at the Hin Bus Depot. State youth committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the theme this year would be 'Yakin Boleh' as a symbol of the younger generation challenging themselves in facing all odds, which is in line with the National Youth Policy of bringing down the age to 30 from 2026. "There will be various programmes including a career carnival and TVET, e-Sports and sports activities and lifestyle programmes," said Gooi at a press conference at Komtar on Thursday (May 15). "We are targeting around 70,000 youth to take part in the programme, which will also feature interactive activities, competition, sales, workshops, voluntary programmes, including the 'Anugerah Perdana Belia Negara' (state level) as a recognition of individuals and exemplary youth organisations. Gooi said the youth day promises a big impact on youth and social development, as well as bolstering the economy and boosting patriotism and leadership in the younger generation.
