PUTRAJAYA: Nearly 250,000 of those studying in tertiary institutions in the country have yet to register for the Covid-19 vaccination, says Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

       The co-chairman of the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) said data as of Sept 7 showed that 547,595 students in public and private higher learning institutions have been fully vaccinated.

       “Based on checks with the Higher Education Ministry, some 195,000 students in public institutions, or 37.% of them, do not have Covid-19 vaccination records.

       “Similarly, some 51,000 or 10.2% of students from private higher learning institutions have not registered.

       “With that, we hope there are efforts to increase awareness on the importance of getting vaccinated for Covid-19,” said Dr Adham at a press conference at the CITF office here on Wednesday.

       Dr Adham, who is the new Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister, conducted a symbolic handover ceremony with Khairy Jamaluddin, who took over Dr Adham's health portfolio, here.

       In the latest Cabinet lineup announcement, the two ministers had their posts swapped.

       Meanwhile, Khairy said the two ministries will continue their close cooperation, especially on the development of Malaysia’s own vaccines.

       “The two ministries will continue cooperating even beyond the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

       “This includes Mosti’s big task of developing Malaysia’s first vaccine for human beings. We have already developed vaccines for animals before. So, good luck doc!

       “This is important to ensure that in the coming years, we don’t need to procure vaccines from other countries,” said Khairy, who also joked about how Dr Adham was his first boss, during his days in Umno Youth.

       “Dr Adham was chairman of Umno Youth’s education bureau, and I was the secretary. So he was my boss, and I’m his kuli (servant). I still am!” said Khairy.