KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to receive one million Covid-19 vaccine doses this month and an additional 1.2 million in August, which will help expedite immunisation efforts in the state.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, therefore wants the mobile outreach programme to interior areas to be intensified to ensure communities there also get their shots.

       "We want to ensure no folks are left behind in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK).

       “The new supplies of vaccines will definitely help in increasing the number of recipients in this state,” said Hajiji.

       He said this in a press release issued after being briefed on Covid-19 situation and vaccination developments in Ranau district during a working visit to Kundasang on Thursday (July 8).

       To date, 16,425 individuals or 21% of Ranau population have received the first dose, while 7,419 (9.5%) have completed the second dose.

       Ranau has a population of 113,500, where 75,900 are aged 18 years and above. So far 25,396 have registered to get vaccinated.

       During his working visit, Hajiji also presented a one-off RM300 cash assistance to 290 mountain guides, involving a total of RM87,000.

       He also presented food baskets and a RM30,000 cheque to Kinabalu Mountain Guides Association through the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry allocation.

       Another RM20,000 was presented to Kinabalu Mountain Porters Association from Sabah Parks allocation.

       Hajiji also observed the vaccination process for the guides and porters, as well as visited the stalls at Kundasang town.