More will be allowed to attend conferences in Penang under 'new normal'

In a bid to revive the meetings incentives conventions and exhibition (MICE) industry, Penang has revised its standards operating procedures (SOPs) for events. 

According to a report by The Sun Daily shared on the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) website, the PCEB has collaborated with MICE service providers, healthcare professionals and the state, in coming up with the next normal guidelines, which include three layers of screening, social distancing, regular sanitisation intervals and more. 

These guidelines will be applicable to event organisers and hosts. Anyone in the hospitality industry who is hosting events where crowds gather must strictly adhere to the guidelines. 

In the new norm, some percentage of MICE-goers can participate via video conferencing while a bigger number will be allowed to attend conferences in person, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

The new standards include: 

• MICE participants will undergo three layers of screening before being allowed into meeting, seminar, or conference locations.
• Participants will be ferried to different event locations, while observing social distancing.
• Temperature checks and hand sanitisation.
• Participants will be seated several metres apart with regular sanitisation intervals in place.
• Food will be served in packed, recyclable containers.
• Hall and events workers will be required to wear protective gear.

With Penang gearing up for the reopening of the MICE national market in September, PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran expressed hope that business travellers will return and the MICE market will be revived in the new normal.

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