KOTA KINABALU: Hundreds of people turned up as the first walk-in vaccination centre in the Sandakan district opens its doors, raising concern of the difficulties in policing compliance to Covid-19 SOPs.

       The vaccination centre opened at 8am on Thursday (Aug 12) for residents of Taman Harmoni low cost apartments and Taman Sri Masjid in Sandakan.

       Community leaders expressed fear of local transmission when droves turned up for the first day of operations, which saw some 300 doses of vaccines administered within three-hours of its opening.

       Elopura assemblyman Calvin Chong said he hoped that authorities would monitor and ensure the crowds at such centres were observing the SOPs.

       "People are flocking to the centre, and it is important for everyone to be vigilant," he said in welcoming the move to allow walk-ins at the vaccination centre for the area.

       He said it would also help speed up the vaccination drive in Elopura, where many areas have often been put under enhanced movement control order.

       "Some 300 people have been vaccinated (on the first day) of the two-day programme," he said, adding that it benefited the elderly and those without smartphones needed to register for vaccinations.

       Chong suggested that mobile vaccination centres should be available at specific housing estates and areas to serve only the residents within the area.

       "The health authorities should not encourage others outside the area to come for the vaccination," he said, adding that the outreach programme to get more people vaccinated is good and should not be limited to just a few days.

       On Wednesday, state Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the state government is now allowing walk-ins at all Covid-19 vaccination centres across Sabah.

       He said the walk-in process is open for both citizens and non-citizens who are eligible for vaccination.