KUALA LUMPUR – The delivery of Pfizer-Biontech’s Covid-19 vaccines to Malaysia remains on course for the first quarter of the year despite export controls placed by the European Union, said Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
In a statement today, Khairy said the assurance came following discussions with EU ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas and the Belgian ambassador Pascal H. Gregoire for further clarification regarding the status of the vaccine deliveries to the country.
“With regards to the Pfizer vaccine that is manufactured in Puurs, Belgium, the Belgian ambassador has given his assurances that our advanced purchase agreement with Pfizer will be fulfilled upon Pfizer applying for export authorisation and the vaccines will be delivered on schedule beginning this month.
“Malaysia has therefore asked that Pfizer request approval for immediate export approval from Belgium,” he said.
Khairy stated for the record, the first shipment of one million doses of the Pfizer vaccine which covers 500,000 individuals will be used in phase one of the inoculation for front liners.
The Pfizer vaccines will be delivered in stages over the first quarter of this year.
“With the assurances of both the EU and Belgian Ambassadors, the Covid-19 immunisation plan is expected to proceed according to plan.
“Both the EU and Belgian Embassies to Malaysia will be releasing statements regarding these supply assurances.” – The Vibes, February 2, 2021
