[UPDATED] Budget 2022: govt eyes supplying booster shots for all next year

KUALA LUMPUR – The government will procure an additional 88 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines for next year, as it bids to administer all eligible individuals with booster shots, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said.

“The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme will be further empowered to supply third vaccine doses as booster shots for all adults, apart from continuing vaccinations for those aged 12 to 17.

“The government has signed agreements to procure 88 million doses of vaccine, which is equivalent to more than 140% of the population.

“This is also enough to administer a third dose to all Malaysians aged 12 and above,” he said in tabling Budget 2022 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said employers will also get tax relief and exemptions on the cost of boosters shots.

Tengku Zafrul said the government will allocate an additional RM4 billion specifically to assist the Health Ministry in its agenda to handle the Covid-19 pandemic. 

According to the minister, RM2 billion will be allocated to continue supporting the immunisation programme, while the remaining half is meant to increase the capacity of the public health system. 

“This includes the procurement of medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and other health kits,” he said.

In continuing with the country’s battle against the pandemic, Tengku Zafrul said the government also plans to procure antiviral medicines that are found to be effective in fighting against various viruses, including Covid-19. 

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul expressed his gratitude to all MPs across the divide for unanimously approving an amendment to the law that allows the government to dip into the National Trust Fund to purchase Covid-19 vaccines.

“With this amendment, the government will spend the funds wisely to fulfil our vaccine needs, in our effort to recover and rebuild the resilience of the rakyat and businesses.” 

Next year, Tengku Zafrul said the government plans to provide tax exemptions for individuals and tax deductions for employers to purchase their own vaccines. – The Vibes, October 29, 2021