Malaysia

500 workers get jab as Penang kicks off industrial Covid-19 vaccination drive

Pilot project collaboration between 22 companies, Miti, MoH and state govt

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 16 Jun 2021 6:30PM

500 workers get jab as Penang kicks off industrial Covid-19 vaccination drive — Micron Memory Malaysia Sdn Bhd employees awaiting their turn to get the Covid-19 jab at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort in Penang today. – File pic, June 16, 2021

by Sofia Nasir

NIBONG TEBAL – Penang today joined Selangor in becoming the first states to start vaccinating economic frontliners via the Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (Pikas).

Almost 500 Micron Memory Malaysia Sdn Bhd employees were selected as vaccine recipients in the pilot project located at Bukit Jawi Golf Resort.

The Vibes found that the immunisation process, which started at 8am, went smoothly, with most workers brought there by company transport.

Employee Mohd Hasan Husairi, 25, said he is happy to receive the vaccine today, after registering for it via the MySejahtera application in February.

“I am happy because after a long wait, I finally got the jab. I’m glad for this opportunity, even though I just started working here three months ago.”

Another worker, Nur Hasyirah Ismadi, 24, said she is relieved to get the jab and no longer worried when she goes to work.

Nur Hasyirah, who lives with her family in Kulim, Kedah, said she is always concerned about bringing the virus home to her parents.

“I feel safer now. Thank you to all of those who worked to provide us with the vaccine.”

Micron Memory vice-president Amarjit Sidhu says an immunisation programme for economic frontliners needs to be implemented so that the Covid-19 pandemic can end. – File pic, June 16, 2021

Micron Memory vice-president Amarjit Sidhu said the effort is a result of collaboration between 22 companies, the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), Health Ministry and state government.

He said the process went smoothly and took four weeks to implement.

“The health of employees is our priority. Therefore, an immunisation programme for economic frontliners needs to be implemented so that this pandemic can end.”

The vaccination of economic frontliners at Pikas Bukit Jawi Golf Resort will involve 16,402 employees, and the administration of the first doses is expected to be completed on July 5.

It is understood that Miti Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali will visit the site with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Last Saturday, Miti said Pikas, which involves voluntary vaccination for employees in the manufacturing sector, will be launched as Phase 4 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

Participating companies can get their staff vaccinated at selected centres or choose among designated factories and industrial locations. – The Vibes, June 16, 2021