KUCHING: Some 98% of the staff of childcare centres and preschools in Sarawak have been vaccinated against Covid-19, says a state minister.

       Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said 9,938 of 10,133 teachers, assistant teachers and caregivers had received the first dose of the vaccine as of Aug 5.

       In addition, 6,007, or 59% have completed both doses.

       "The ministry has worked closely with the Sarawak disaster management committee and various vaccination centres in carrying out vaccination programmes for teachers, assistant teachers and caregivers," she said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 26).

       She was responding to concerns raised by activist Voon Shiak Ni that all eligible persons, especially workers of childcare centres and schools, should be vaccinated.

       Fatimah also appealed to parents and families with young children to go for vaccination.

       "It is indeed everyone's responsibility to ensure the safety of our children," she said.