BERA: All vaccination-related programmes and health strategies related to Covid-19 will from now on only be handled by the Health Ministry (MOH) through its newly-appointed minister Khairy Jamaluddin, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti), now helmed by former health minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, would focus on research and development (R&D) to produce Covid-19 vaccines.
“Prior to this, there were two related ministries – namely MOH and Mosti – besides a committee chaired by two ministers, two secretaries-general and two directors-general.
Filial duty: Ismail Sabri (centre) visiting the graves of his parents in Kampung Lubuk Kawah, Temerloh. — Bernama
“It is quite difficult if it remains as two because they may have different views and so on.
“Mosti will focus on producing its own vaccine because if Thailand can announce that it is producing its own vaccine, then Malaysia can also do the same.
“This is because Covid-19 will be endemic and will be around us like dengue, which means vaccines are still needed.
“(And) that is why Mosti has to focus (on this) so that we don’t depend on foreign countries, because when the number of cases worldwide increases and we still depend (on vaccine supply) from abroad, that will cause supplies to be affected.
“If we could produce our own vaccines, the situation will be different,” Ismail Sabri told a media conference after witnessing the Para Predators Exercise Series 1/2021 that was also attended by Defence Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Affendi Buang and Army Chief Jen Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain in Kampung Batu Bor near here yesterday.
The two-week programme, which began on Tuesday and conducted by the Malaysian Army through its 10th Brigade Para elite unit based in Terendak, Melaka, involved large-scale training for about 1,900 officers and personnel.
In a related matter, the Prime Minister said he had informed the MOH through Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah that factories, especially those with many foreign workers, could set up vaccination centres (PPV) to prevent congestion like what had happened at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium PPV.
He said the congestion drew concerns that those queuing for their vaccine shots could also get infected as images that went viral on social media showed physical distancing guidelines were not being complied with.
“We also hope factories can purchase their own vaccines as this would be faster. He also said that factories with 80% of their workers fully vaccinated can resume operations.
“I believe the cost of vaccines is not as expensive compared to the losses suffered if they continue to remain closed,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he had also informed Dr Noor Hisham to add more drive-through PPV as they were not costly to operate and there was no close contact with others while queuing.
Asked if Covid-19 vaccinations should be made compulsory, Ismail Sabri said as the government’s priority was to ensure the people’s safety, this could be a possibility if many continue to reject the vaccine since they could go on to infect others.
On the decision not to name a deputy prime minister in his Cabinet, he said his predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also opted not to have a deputy when he was first appointed, but added that this situation could always change.
Earlier, the Prime Minister paid a visit to the graves of his parents Yaakob Abdul Rahman and Wan Jah Wan Mamat in Kampung Lubuk Kawah, Temerloh.
At a separate function, Ismail Sabri, who is Bera MP, presented food baskets to village representatives of Kampung Kuala Bera and the surrounding areas in a brief ceremony at Masjid Kuala Bera Jamek here.
He was warmly received by a group of residents who took the opportunity to congratulate him.
Ismail Sabri also delivered food baskets to representatives of several villages at Tengku Abdullah Mosque, Kuala Triang here. — Bernama