PUTRAJAYA: The number of civil servants who have yet to be vaccinated is small, with close to 98% of them having been inoculated, says the Public Service Department (PSD).

       Nevertheless, it said the matter needed to be addressed and be given priority to boost the people’s confidence when dealing with public officers at government premises.

       "Also, getting more civil servants to be vaccinated would enable government services to be fully operational based on phases under the National Recovery Plan," it said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 21).

       On statements made in relation to action to be taken against civil servants who refused to be inoculated, the PSD said measures could be taken by ministries and departments based on existing regulations to ensure that civil servants took the vaccine.

       "The department will forward several recommendations of action and approaches to the National Security Council to decide what form of action that can be taken against civil servants who refuse to get vaccinated.

       "This includes a directive to make it compulsory for public servants to be vaccinated except for those who have strong reasons to be exempted or due to health concerns," it said.

       On Sunday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government would discuss penalties for civil servants who refused to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

       Khairy however stressed that action would only be taken on those who refused and not if they could not get vaccinated due to health reasons.