KUALA LUMPUR – Despite the majority of people in the country having been inoculated against Covid-19, Muhammad Zaki Omar continues to doubt the vaccine and has no plans to get the jab any time soon.
Speaking to The Vibes, he explained his hesitancy towards the vaccine, adding that despite the government’s restrictions against unvaccinated individuals, he will continue to live his life as per normal.
The 36-year-old summarised the reason behind his scepticism: he believes the human body will always be able to fight against a virus by itself.
Those who maintain a healthy lifestyle need only view the vaccine as a choice, he said.
I believe our bodies are able to fight off viruses. If we know how to care for our health, the vaccine should be a choice.
“The vaccine should be for those who are not able to maintain a healthy body.”
Asked if he would feel inclined to get the jab due to the perks granted to the fully vaccinated, Zaki said: “I will continue living my life normally, like how I did before Covid-19.
“I will move to where I want, and if I am prevented by the authorities, I will take legal action.
“If they issue a compound, my lawyers will not hesitate to take action in court.”
He labelled the “propaganda” by those who trust the jab as “extreme”.
In particular, he feels that those who are “pro-vaccine” are quick to shut down conversation on the matter and call others “anti-vaxxers”.
Asked if there is a possibility for civil discourse between those with doubts and those who trust the efficacy of vaccines, Zaki answered in the affirmative.
“Currently, it seems that the conversation has been hijacked by experts who believe in vaccines.
In the media, you see only vaccine supporters. Perhaps, we could have a civil discourse between experts hesitant about vaccines, those on the other side, and perhaps, a neutral party.”
Pressed on what he would do if such a discourse takes place and arguments favour the shot, Zaki expressed reluctance to change his mind and get jabbed.
At present, he acts as a public interest researcher for Gerakan Post-Mortem Covid-19. He previously worked as a supervisor at a semiconductor plant in Singapore.
Nothing forcing people to get jab
Currently, the government has no plans to make the coronavirus vaccine mandatory.
However, Covid-19 standard operating procedures accord perks to those who are fully vaccinated, allowing them to travel and dine in at eateries.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has urged those yet to get the jab to do so soon.
Some 67.5% of Malaysia’s total population has been fully immunised, according to the government’s CovidNow portal.
A month ago, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin assured the public that Covid-19 vaccines are safe, with no deaths recorded due to inoculation.
However, 27,770 have died of the disease itself.
Anti-vaxxers may face more restrictions, even if Covid-19 vaccination is not compulsory in Malaysia.
Yesterday, Khairy said the ministry is mulling the possibility of enforcing a weekly test for those who reject or delay their shots, and that the government will not pay for the screening.
Although there is no national law making Covid-19 vaccination mandatory, he said he encourages it to be so at the sector level.
“It may sound a little harsh, but our approach is to ‘make life difficult’ for those who choose not to receive the vaccine.
“This is because you yourself choose not to receive the vaccine unless you cannot get jabbed due to health factors and are excluded from the MySejahtera system. Otherwise, we will make your life difficult.”
CovidNow reported that over the past six months, 61.4% of infections concern unvaccinated individuals, while 19.1% involve partially vaccinated folk, and 19.4%, the fully immunised. – The Vibes, October 17, 2021
