KOTA KINABALU – The snail’s pace of Covid-19 registration and immunisation rates in Sabah has caught the attention of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who has now joined in calls by state leaders of all divides for health authorities to hasten the process.
The latest numbers released by the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply showed Sabah remaining at the bottom of the list, with only 509,089 Sabahans (or 13% of the population) having received their first dose and 368,367 (9.4%) their second jab.
In a statement today, Bung Moktar said the numbers are of great concern given the recent spike of over 600 cases in the last few days.
The Lamag assemblyman and Kinabatangan MP said Sabah has done so much – including opening up 151 inoculation centres statewide – to achieve a higher immunisation rate, but all of these would go to waste if vaccine supply remains insufficient.
“As an elected representative, I appeal to the federal government to speed up the delivery of much-needed vaccines to Sabah. The health and welfare of the people should be prioritised.
“This matter should not be delayed, as many in Sabah are still facing the threat of the Covid-19 virus and the more deadly variants that are already infecting locals. This is why Sabah needs to attain herd immunity to reduce the risk of infections,” he said.
Bung Moktar also proposed that the state initiate walk-ins or drive-ins for those who have not yet received jab appointments and those without internet access in their areas.
The Vibes reported on the slow pace of the vaccination progress in Sabah in May.
The matter was picked up by Sabah leaders from both sides of the political divide, and yesterday, they called on Putrajaya to ramp up the vaccination rate. – The Vibes, July 21, 2021
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