KOTA BARU – Monetary incentives to get Covid-19 vaccine jabs are proving popular here as law minister and Kota Baru MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan is dishing out RM20 per constituent.
At the incentive launch yesterday, 100 vaccinated residents managed to claim RM20 each.
While some of them have completed their two doses, those who have only received their first dose are also eligible for the incentive. Takiyuddin’s parliamentary service centre in Jalan Bayam opened its doors at noon yesterday.
Today, the office opened at 10am and within the first hour, more than 20 people claimed their incentives.
According to a representative at the service centre, vaccine registration levels are still low even though people are coming forward to claim for the incentive.
Last week, Takiyuddin mooted the monetary incentive for voters in his constituency.
They only need to submit proof of receipt of the vaccine through the MySejahtera app, or a card provided by the Health Ministry, and their MyKad to the officer on duty.
Some groups questioned if Takiyuddin’s incentive is a form of bribery, but he clarified in a Facebook post that it is a “consolation” to ensure everyone is protected from Covid-19.
“The vaccine is recognised by the majority of the world’s bodies and health experts as a Covid-19 protector, enough to be believed without a doubt.
“Consolation is given instead of wages, it is an appreciation to those who protect themselves and everyone,” the PAS MP wrote.
This first round of incentives is scheduled to run until June 30.
This comes after reports that almost 10,000 residents in Kelantan, especially those aged 60 and above, failed to show up to receive the vaccine as of May 23.
According to state Health Department director Dr Zaini Hussin, one of the main reasons for no-shows was “personal problems”. – The Vibes, May 31, 2021
