KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia will be safe from Covid-19 only when everyone in the country, including foreigners, are vaccinated against the disease, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
He said there are about three million foreigners in the country.
“That is why this (giving vaccines for free to non-citizens) needs to be done, because we are not safe until everyone is safe. In vaccine science, if there are more recipients, then we are safe, and the virus cannot infect others. As such, we are targeting 80% of the population (vaccinated) to create herd immunity.
“If we (Malaysians) are the only recipients, we will not be safe because they (foreigners) could still infect us, or the virus could spread among the foreigners. This is why it is important that we protect everyone. This is the right decision for the sake of humanity.”
Khairy, who is also in charge of coordinating the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, was speaking on Bernama’s Ruang Bicara programme via Skype last night.
It was reported that the government has agreed to roll out the immunisation drive at month-end, with all foreigners living in Malaysia to also receive coronavirus vaccines for free.
Priority will be accorded to citizens, and the schedule for foreigners will be announced at a later date.
Khairy said giving the vaccines for free to foreigners was a decision made in the hope that other governments will reciprocate and aid Malaysians living in their countries.
He said Malaysia is quite late to receive the jabs compared to developed and neighbouring countries, as the nation is focused on planning an efficient vaccination programme.
“We are not too slow like Australia, South Korea and Japan, which are still studying (suitable vaccines). I want to expedite the purchase and delivery process, and so far, according to the agreement signed, we will receive (the vaccines) in February.
“Indonesia got the Sinovac vaccine early because it is a testing ground, so of course, they would (receive it) first. Singapore is investing in the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and that’s why they were prioritised.
“I think Malaysia is not too late because we are adhering to the agreement. When we receive (the vaccines), we will be able to set up our vaccination programme. It is useless to have a lot of vaccines if we don’t have an effective programme.
“We plan to finish (our immunisation drive) within 12 months.”
On January 8, Khairy announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been registered with the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency.
Apart from Malaysia, 49 other nations have approved the jab, with some having already started administering it.
Khairy urged people not to worry about the safety of the vaccines procured by Putrajaya, saying they are certified free of animal substances. – Bernama, February 12, 2021
