PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s efforts to provide Covid-19 vaccinations to hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities has received a boost of RM3.3mil from the United States.

       In a statement, the United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said the RM3.3mil aid will be given to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) to support the society’s vaccination outreach programme.

       “This month, the US announced an additional $800,000 (RM3.3mil) in Covid-19 assistance for Malaysia. This assistance will support the Government of Malaysia’s efforts to vaccinate hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities,” said the embassy on Thursday (Oct 21).

       “It will also support safe quarantine facilities for these communities, assisting in the protection of Malaysia from Covid-19 and helping to keep Malaysia’s economic recovery moving forward.

       The MRCS will implement this assistance in Malaysia,” added the embassy.

       US Ambassador to Malaysia Brian McFeeters (pic) commended Malaysia and the ongoing MRCS vaccination programme.

       “Malaysia is doing a wonderful job at vaccinating its population, and this additional assistance will enhance efforts to assist vulnerable communities and help keep the whole country safe,” said McFeeters, during a meeting with MRCS national chairman Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz.

       Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz said the assistance is critical for her organisation’s work to protect people from Covid-19, particularly the most vulnerable.

       “We are striving to reach the last mile in our vaccinations in all corners of the country and we must remember that no one is safe until everyone is safe. Covid-19 is indifferent to one’s race, religion, ethnicity or nationality,” she said.

       “Thank you to Ambassador McFeeters and USAID for supporting Malaysian Red Crescent efforts,” added Tunku Puteri Intan.

       Since the pandemic began, the US has provided more than US$2mil in Covid-19 assistance to Malaysia.

       On July 5, the US donated one million Pfizer vaccine doses to Malaysia, and has also donated medical supplies, Covid-19 test kits, ambulances, and more.