KUALA LUMPUR – Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has expressed his gratitude to China for its decision to contribute 500,000 doses of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine.
In a statement, he said Malaysia hopes the close and friendly ties between the nations will be further consolidated for their mutual benefit.
“Malaysia is highly appreciative of the invaluable support extended so far by the People’s Republic of China.
“This timely contribution will bolster the vaccination process and assist in the ongoing roll-out of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.”
He also welcomed Japan’s provision of AstraZeneca vaccines to Malaysia.
Bernama reported that Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu yesterday announced that the jabs, manufactured in Japan, will be given to Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
According to the Japanese embassy in Malaysia, the minister said the vaccines will be delivered from next month if the circumstances allow for it.
“Based on the foreign minister’s announcement, the Japanese embassy in Malaysia will continue to work closely with the government of Malaysia to provide the vaccines to Malaysians,” it said in a statement.
“This will be another symbol of friendship between Japan and Malaysia.”
Japan has extended assistance to Malaysia to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic prior to this, including giving medical equipment worth US$5 million (RM20.5 million) in January.
It has also rendered humanitarian aid worth US$2 million to Malaysia through Unicef, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. – The Vibes, June 16, 2021
