KOTA KINABALU – Sabah employers are questioning the mechanism behind the selling of the Covid-19 vaccine to companies and industries in the state, as they can get the vaccine for free via other alternatives.
Sabah Employers Association (SEA) president Yap Cheen Boon said the association welcomes the decision by the state government to allow companies to purchase the vaccine, but will not take up the offer unless a clear mechanism is shared.
“Right now, firms have other alternatives to get their staff immunised, including the Public-Private Partnership Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (Pikas) under the International Trade and Industry Ministry; Retail Industry Vaccination Programme (RiVac) under the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry; and, National Labour Vaccination Programme (Protek) under the Human Resources Ministry,” he told The Vibes.
“We do not know if the government’s announcement is related to any of the programmes, but all three will be available for all industries, including those outside the manufacturing and retail sectors.
“Firms registered under Pikas and RiVac have to pay only the vaccination management fee, and not the vaccine, while those under Protek can claim from their Human Resources Development Fund accounts.”
He was commenting on the decision by the Sabah government to allow companies and industries in the state to purchase the Covid-19 vaccine for their staff. The policy was announced last Friday.
Yap questioned if firms will purchase the shot from the government when they can save money via Pikas, RiVac and Protek.
To be eligible under Pikas, a company needs to have at least 1,000 recipients for on-site vaccination, and Rivac needs a minimum of 1,500 recipients.
However, Yap pointed out that most of the businesses in the state are small.
If the state government’s intention to sell the vaccine is to boost the vaccination rate, then incentives should be given, he added.
For example, he said, a company with 100% fully vaccinated staff should be allowed to open, even if it is not listed as an essential service.
He also suggested that the mechanism for the purchase of the vaccine be arranged with private clinics and hospitals, without a minimum recipient requirement.
SEA has yet to hear of any private clinic or hospital offering the Covid-19 shot for sale, he added.
Hotels may not be able to afford the shot
On the other hand, Sabah’s tourism players are happy that the vaccine can be bought, but some question whether hotel owners are financially able to afford the shot for their staff.
Malaysia Budget Hotel Association Sabah chapter chairman James Ong told The Vibes that budget hoteliers are careful about spending money nowadays, as they have been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is good that we have an option to purchase the vaccine. We do not mind paying to get our staff immunised, especially those who have proven to be loyal to us.
“But a lot of hotel owners will probably wait as business is slow. It has been more than 500 days since the first movement control order was called last year, so it has been very tough for us.”
He said the state government should reveal the prices of the vaccines as soon as possible, so the association’s members can make a decision.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Sabah chapter chairman Lawrence Chin said it is wise for tourism players to purchase the vaccine if they can afford it.
“We want to be able to achieve herd immunity as soon as possible, and open the tourism market in Sabah. Otherwise, everyone will have to wait for their turn in MySejahtera for vaccination.”
Sabah Hotel Association member Julia Hwong said she is optimistic that firms will buy the Covid-19 shot for their staff.
“The enhanced movement control order is not effective in reducing the Covid-19 infection rate. Vaccination is the way to go.
“For the tourism industry we have been bleeding cash for a year and four months, and the sales forecast for this year is down the drain.
“We want the inter-district travel ban lifted to enable locals to travel as soon as possible.”
However, she said many hotels are currently closed, but most of their workers have already been vaccinated.
“It is recommended for hotels that are still operating to purchase the vaccine for their staff who have yet to be immunised.” – The Vibes, August 2, 2021
