PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry received contribution of cold chain equipment worth RM6mil from the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency to beef up the storage capacity of Covid-19 vaccines.

       The contribution came in the form of 184 refrigerators, 1,343 cold boxes and 1,579 data loggers which would be distributed to 436 public health facilities nationwide in phases to fortify the cold chain management of the ongoing National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

       Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Malaysia lauded the Japanese government’s selfless giving during the pandemic and their stance of helping other nations struggling against the disease.

       “This event is a great example of a strategic alliance that showcases the best of humanity in battling Covid-19 together and striving for a common goal,” he said, adding that this was made possible following the long-standing and excellent relationship between Malaysia and Japan.

       Malaysia had also received one million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine donated by Japan in July.

       Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Oka Hiroshi, who was present at the handing over event, applauded the government’s robust vaccination process and expressed appreciation on Malaysia’s gesture in treating Japanese citizens equally in its vaccination programme.

       “It gives us a very deep sense of security and safety amid the unprecedented crisis,” said Hiroshi. — Bernama