KUALA LUMPUR: The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme is the government's main strategy against the pandemic and it will be beefed up so that all Malaysian adults will receive two doses of vaccines by October, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

       Muhyiddin, who was briefing Parliament about the National Recovery Plan on Monday (July 26), said initial estimates had 80% of adult residents in Malaysia being fully vaccinated by the first quarter of next year.

       "God willing, the immunisation programme will continue to be strengthened so that the target of 100% adult residents receiving two doses of vaccine can be achieved earlier, in October this year.

       "In fact, the government has achieved the capacity of (administering) 500,000 doses per day now," said Muhyiddin.

       He added that so far, the government has ordered 79.9 million doses of vaccines. of which 25.2 million doses have already arrived.

       "It is estimated that we will receive 37.3 million doses in August and 21.9 million doses in the fourth quarter. The remainder will be received in the first quarter of 2022," he added.

       At the same time, Muhyiddin said that under the newly-launched Operation Surge Capacity, all adult residents in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, estimated at 6.1 million, will receive at least one dose of vaccine by the beginning of August.

       Since the immunisation programme was implemented, Muhyiddin said 16 million doses of vaccine have been administered, with 11 million people receiving the first dose and about five million receiving both doses.

       Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said the government is aware that the spike in Covid-19 cases was due to the virus spreading rapidly in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and a part of Negri Sembilan.

       To address the spikes in these areas, Muhyiddin said the Greater Klang Valley Special Task Force will work with state governments to bring Covid-19 under control.

       "Most importantly, they must ensure that hospitals have adequate capacity to function efficiently," he said.

       Muhyiddin also denied that the government had neglected the people, and said everyone must come together as the country is dealing with a very turbulent moment.

       While urging Malaysians to abide by standard operating procedures under the new normal, he also said they should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

       "It doesn't matter what brand it is, it is still a useful vaccine. Vaccination is the best way to save lives," he added.

       Three Emergency Proclamations and nine Emergency Ordinances will be tabled during the special five-day sitting that starts on Monday.

       Ministries will also be briefing MPs about the government's efforts in battling Covid-19.