GOMBAK – “Jok hik vaksin, tok payah sengoh (Let’s get vaccinated, don’t be afraid)!”
These were the words uttered by Samsiah Bah Iti in the Semai language after receiving her first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at Orang Asli Gombak Hospital (HOAG).
The 39-year-old general worker admitted that she had mixed feelings before visiting the hospital to receive the shot.
“At first, I felt a little scared to be inoculated. But after my family, friends and colleagues got their jabs, I felt excited to receive mine,” she told The Vibes.
Samsiah is among the scores of indigenous community members to have been made aware of the dangers of the pandemic and convinced to get immunised to protect themselves and their families against the deadly virus.
HOAG director Dr Izandis B. Mohamad Sayed said the hospital has intensified efforts to register the Orang Asli community as vaccine recipients.
Through its outreach programme in eight native settlements in the Gombak district, the hospital’s Orang Asli mobile team has been able to reach those who without a smartphone and those in areas without internet coverage.
“A week before the outreach activities, they enter the settlements first to provide explanations to the Orang Asli.
I think that process (outreach programme) gives them a sense of awareness and, to some extent, provides answers to issues that they may not understand or are less clear about.
“Many have volunteered to register (for the vaccine) and more have turned up to receive vaccinations,” Dr Izandis said.
Meanwhile, Norhasni Husaimi, 22, said her family gave her confidence and encouragement to register to be vaccination under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
“My family has been vaccinated, so I’m confident. They gave me words of encouragement for me to register for the vaccine,” she said when she showed up for her inoculation.
Public assistant Bah Lan Bah Din, 49, said there are still indigenous community members who are hesitant about receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.
He hopes that the people will change their minds and agree to getting the jabs.
“I urge the public and Orang Asli community to get vaccinated.
“It protects us, our family members and others around us. There’s no need to be afraid or nervous about it.
“There are 18 tribes in the Orang Asli community but it doesn’t matter which tribe you are in. We should accept this opportunity to protect ourselves,” Bah Lan said.
Early last month, based on feedback obtained from the registration forms given out under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, a total of 63,734 Orang Asli did not agree to be inoculated.
Only 15,307 out of 79,041 who returned their forms agreed to be vaccinated. – The Vibes, July 3, 2021
