Set closing date for vaccine registration, instil urgency: Wan Saiful

KUALA LUMPUR – Bersatu information chief Wan Saiful Wan Jan proposed that the government set a closing date for registration to receive the Covid-19 vaccine due to the public’s sombre reception of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

In a statement today, Wan Saiful said setting a closing date would raise a “sense of urgency” to register among the people.

“It is time for the government to set a closing date for registration. All citizens should register by that date.

“For example, let’s say if the registration is open until the end of July. With the setting of the closing date, I am confident more people will sense the importance of immediately registering for vaccination,” he said.

The vaccination programme, he said, is one of the most important things in the country’s “exit strategy” against the pandemic.

“Undoubtedly some of our citizens may have trouble registering. As such various forms of ‘outreach’ are being worked out and should be made by the government to help them register. But many continue to have a casual attitude, with a wait-and-see approach before choosing to register. Some also take it easy and keep procrastinating with signing up.

“In addition, anti-vaccine propaganda has also emerged. All this contributes to low registration rates,” he said.

If the government imposes a closing date for vaccination registration, Wan Saiful said, all government and NGOs’ efforts can be unified to ensure a successful vaccination registration campaign within the allotted time.

“Individuals will start taking it seriously. Therefore, efforts by all sides will be more focused. Most importantly, with full registration data, the government can determine proper vaccine distribution to locations throughout the country,” he said.

People who have yet to register, Wan Saiful said, must take the need to register themselves and their families for the vaccine seriously.

“The government needs registration data to facilitate logistics and vaccine distribution planning. If all of us register, then we will have accurate data on the actual distribution for recipients. 

“Malaysia has various diverse infrastructures that can facilitate the vaccination process. We have public halls in villages and districts that can be used.

“There are also school halls. In locations where there are no halls, we can set up a mobile vaccination centre. We also have health centres as well as private clinics that I am sure can be utilised as well.

“But without proper data on the distribution of recipients, it is difficult to make accurate planning in distributing limited vaccines,” he added. – The Vibes, June 13, 2021