PUTRAJAYA: The Transport Ministry is in the process of obtaining approval to open additional industry vaccination centres (PPVIN) for the transport sector in several states, which is expected to benefit more than 54,000 workers, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said: “The plan is to open industry vaccination centres in Johor, Penang, Pahang, Terengganu, Perak and Selangor.

       “We are also seeking additional doses for Port Klang to expedite vaccinations for seafarers, port workers and logistics sector employees.

       “The ministry remains committed to working with the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force in making the national vaccination programme a success by ensuring transport industry workers are vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       Dr Wee said his ministry had submitted a list of 48,973 names from the taxi and e-hailing categories and 69,458 p-hailing riders’ names for vaccination.

       He said as of July 17, some 56% of taxi and e-hailing drivers and 49% of p-hailing riders had received their vaccination appointments.

       He said the CITF had approved two more PPVIN for the land transport sector to be administered by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the asset owner and operator of LRT, KL Monorail and Rapid bus services.

       Two Prasarana assets, the Putra Heights LRT station and the Cheras Selatan Rapid Bus Complex, have been converted into PPVIN facilities to support the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

       The Putra Heights LRT station PPVIN commenced operations yesterday, while the PPVIN at the Cheras Selatan Rapid Bus Complex will begin operations tomorrow.

       “The Putra Heights PPVIN will serve about 2,598 recipients, involving Prasarana staff from rail services and the employees of Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd.

       “At the Cheras Selatan Rapid Bus Complex, 2,914 recipients comprising staff of the company’s bus service operations will be getting their vaccinations,” he said after visiting the Putra Heights LRT Station accompanied by Prasarana chairman Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim and Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, Prasarana president and group CEO.

       As of July 17, two PPVIN for the transport sector have started operating for the maritime and aviation transport sectors to deliver vaccines to about 32,243 recipients.

       Dr Wee said aside from providing the venue, Prasarana had also assigned its employees as volunteers at the vaccination centres to assist in crowd and queue control, logistics and registrations.

       “The opening of these PPVIN is part of larger efforts to expedite delivery of vaccines to the transport sector, which is an essential service to ensure the movement of goods and daily lives of people are not hindered.

       “The opening of vaccination centres for frontliners of the transport sector is part of steps taken by the ministry, as well as Science, Technology, and Innovation and Health ministries to protect our frontliners,” Dr Wee added.

       Separately, Prasarana clarified that the Putra Heights LRT PPVIN is not open to members of the public as it is dedicated solely for transport sector workers.