SEPANG – It is difficult to open vaccination centres (PPVs) in localities under the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) as the list of areas changes constantly, said Khairy Jamaluddin.
The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister said the “dynamic” nature of the EMCO list makes it difficult to send vaccines to new PPVs each week.
“Maybe this week, (a locality) is under the EMCO, but next week, it exits the EMCO. It will complicate matters if we have to shift supply for the whole country based on a constantly changing EMCO list,” he told reporters after visiting the industrial vaccination centre at Kuala Lumpur International Airport here today.
He was asked to comment on the Selangor government’s initiative to open a PPV at Petaling Jaya’s Mentari Court apartments, which have been under the EMCO since July 1.
The PPV at the flats started operating yesterday, with the aim of vaccinating some 8,000 residents against the coronavirus.
Khairy, who is also science, technology and innovation minister, said the distribution of vaccines to states is based on several indicators, including the Covid-19 caseload and infectivity rate.
“Every week, we adjust distribution according to data from the states. For example, among the targets this month are Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Negri Sembilan, which have a high incidence rate.”
He said more industrial jab sites will be set up at airports nationwide.
“To protect workers in this important segment, CITF (Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force) has decided to give priority to the aviation sector.”
He added that all countries should have a common understanding when it comes to deciding on immigration policies with regard to vaccine recognition.
“We still don’t know about the immigration policies of many nations. They have yet to be finalised.
“Some countries have imposed conditions such as (recognising) only the vaccines used in those countries. So, the discussion is ongoing.”
Khairy said Malaysia’s stand is that all Covid-19 jabs listed by the World Health Organisation should be recognised globally.
For countries that do not recognise the vaccines used in Malaysia, he proposed that they implement swab tests as an entry condition for Malaysians. – Bernama, July 6, 2021
