SANDAKAN – The Sabah government has been commended for its success in vaccinating plantation workers.
The Malaysian Estate Owners’ Association said the rural immunisation outreach programme has proved successful at oil palm estates in Beluran, Sandakan and Kinabatangan.
“The vaccination drive for the plantation sector is currently small in Sabah, but has the greatest potential to expedite herd immunity in the state.
“Mobile vaccination centre units have started operating in Kinabatangan, and in Tongod soon, to immunise rural villagers and plantation communities.”
Association member IJM Plantations has been collaborating with the District Health Offices in Beluran and Sandakan to spearhead the rural immunisation outreach programme at oil palm estates.
The association said the drive not only benefits the plantation workers, but also villagers within the vicinity as they, too, will get the jab.
It said industry players are ready to work with authorities to realise herd immunity in Sabah.
“The plantation sector has an advantage as it can provide effective infrastructure, i.e. halls and quarantine facilities, for the rural vaccination drive.
“It can also offer its estate medical personnel and other workers to assist the medical team. Oil palm plantations are spread over vast landscapes, where adhering to social distancing has never been an issue.
“The plantation sector is also able to contribute by providing accommodation, food, internet connectivity, as well as logistics and transport.
“However, the vaccines must be brought to the plantations and surrounding rural communities, and not (having) villagers to go to vaccination centres in cities and towns.” – The Vibes, August 3, 2021
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