KUALA LUMPUR – The Federal Territories Ministry is targeting the Covid-19 vaccination of over 6,000 food deliverymen and 7,000 traders in Putrajaya, Labuan and here starting month.
Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said it is only appropriate that these groups be prioritised as they deal with the public daily.
“Although food delivery riders generally comprise those in their 20s, who are not considered a vulnerable group, their work is part of essential services.
“They have to work regardless of the situation, including entering enhanced movement control order areas. The public would feel safe knowing that these individuals are vaccinated.
“They also have to continue working for a living. If they are not vaccinated, they will be demoralised and exposed to the risk of infection, so it is fair to give them priority,” he told a special press conference recently.
He said the ministry will discuss the matter with the companies concerned.
The ministry also prioritises groups regarded as high-risk and living in high-density areas, including workers at the Kuala Lumpur wholesale market, People’s Housing Project residents, construction workers and the homeless, he said.
“We are vaccinating market workers and flat residents via the mobile truck programme. To date, over 200 homeless people, too, have been vaccinated.”
Annuar said 50,000 people in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are expected to be inoculated per day by next month at 124 jab sites, including mobile trucks.
He said the daily vaccination rate in Kuala Lumpur has risen to 35,789, Putrajaya (1,800) and Labuan (3,000).
He added that the government is confident about realising its target of vaccinating 89% of the population in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, thus attaining herd immunity, as early as August.
“As of June 21, vaccination registration in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya had reached 100%. In Kuala Lumpur, 56.16% of those registered have received the first dose, while 10.82% have completed both doses.
“In Putrajaya, 50.34% have received the first dose, while 30.81% are fully vaccinated.
“With herd immunity attained early, we hope the process of economic recovery will be hastened.”
Annuar said the ministry has agreed to give a rebate of 5% to 10% to ratepayers, involving all assets and premises, including hotels, industries and the housing sector, in the Federal Territories.
Citing Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s total collection of RM1 billion, he said the rebate will cost between RM50 million and RM100 million, adding that its percentage according to category will be detailed later.
He said owners of all residential and commercial premises in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan are granted an assessment payment deferment until December.
Previously, he announced that payment can be made in instalments, and those late to pay due to financial constraints will not be penalised. – Bernama, June 24, 2021
