KOTA KINABALU: The government should consider allowing the private sector to purchase Covid-19 vaccines as it would help ramp up the vaccination drive in the country, says Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (pic).

       The Parti Cinta Sabah president said by allowing this, the people do not have to depend on the government-appointed vendor for supply.

       "Although there has been an increase in supply by the government, the number of citizens being vaccinated must rise quickly and a better distribution system must be provided," he said.

       The former foreign minister said that there was a need for the government to revamp the vaccination system.

       "In order to increase the rate of Covid-19 vaccinations in the country to achieve herd immunity, the government must also allow a free market for vaccines.

       "The current vaccination program is very bureaucratic and involves many government agencies with overlapping functions," he said in a statement Saturday (July 17).

       "Even if people must pay for it, they would because they know the severity of the pandemic," said the former Kimanis MP.