JOHOR BARU: The number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in Johor has seen an increase in the past two weeks.

       The 30% jump sees 10,094 cases recorded between Aug 16 and 22, and 13,284 cases from Aug 23 to 29.

       Fatalities climbed from 246 to 314 cases during this period.

       Johor Baru, Kulai and Kluang are among the Covid-19 hotspots in the state.

       Oil palm smallholder K. Chandran, 43, who had yet to receive his jab, hoped the government would speed up the vaccination process.

       “Even my 81-year-old father has yet to be vaccinated.

       “We registered a few months ago. Fortunately, my 35-year-old wife and 12-year-old son have been given appointments recently.

       “My father is a senior citizen and priority should be given to people like him to walk into a centre and get vaccinated,” he said.

       Besides registering via MySejahtera, his father had also submitted his name with a local health clinic.

       Thor Eng Hua, 48, who registered for the vaccine in June, has been waiting anxiously for an appointment.

       “I really hope the government could speed up its vaccination initiative and deploy more vaccines into the state.

       “While I am still able to continue working at the moment, I am constantly worried about the risk I am exposed to every day,” said Thor, who is a cook.

       Zarvina Jaffar, 46, who registered for the vaccine several months ago, said the government should also speed up vaccination for those who have recovered from Covid-19 as it was a traumatic experience.

       There are 241 vaccination centres (PPV) operating in the state.