SHAH ALAM: The number of Covid-19 infections in the manufacturing sector and factories is smaller than that arising from community transmissions, says International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.

       He said data from the Health Ministry showed that only five to 10% of Covid-19 cases came from the manufacturing sector and factories.

       Given this, Azmin, who spoke to reporters after visiting the Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (Pikas) at Setia City Convention Centre here Monday (June 28) said, it was erroneous to blame the number of positive cases on the economic sector.

       “Certainly when the economy sector is allowed to operate cases can occur in the sector.

       “As it’s not like the education sector which we have fully closed and not like the social sector which is also fully closed.

       “But the economic sector, especially for essential goods and services, we have decided to allow a little activity to protect and take care of the people’s economy because Malaysia is a nation which is involved in the global supply chain,’’ he said.

       Azmin said the Health Ministry data also showed that 75% of cases were sporadic in nature and this was reflective of the fact that the infection was already within the community.

       On another matter, Azmin said that the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and the Health Ministry have given the assurance that the supply of vaccine was sufficient for July, August and subsequent months.

       He said this was because the vaccine suppliers have guaranteed that the drugs would be delivered accordingly for these months.

       “There was a little challenge for June but according to reports provided, the supply was more certain for July and August and the following months,’’ he said.

       Today’s exercise marks the beginning of vaccinations for the manufacturing sector and factory workers in Selangor.

       As of Sunday (June 27), a total of 669,846 employees from 4,537 companies nationwide have registered under Pikas.

       Under Pikas, the vaccines are provided free of charge by the government while industry players will collectively provide the venues as well as the personnel required to manage and administer the vaccines.