KOTA KINABALU – Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun last night announced that the Sabah government intends to buy vaccines in view of an anticipated shortage of the Pfizer jab in the state.
Dismissing rumours that the state government may be forced to charge the public to get the shot, the Sabah Covid-19 spokesman assured that this will not be the case.
“The Sabah government has requested state government-linked companies (GLCs) to use part of their business profits to purchase vaccines for their staff, and any excess can be donated to eligible recipients.
“This initiative will help speed up the inoculation process of Sabah’s population.
“The cost of buying the vaccines will be deducted from the GLCs’ annual premium paid to the state government.”
At present, he said, 42% of the targeted population of 2.7 million have received their first dose, while 18.4% are fully vaccinated.
Masidi’s remarks follow talk that the Sabah government may charge RM350 for both shots following the purchase of 250,000 doses by state investment arm Qhazanah Sabah Sdn Bhd.
He clarified to The Vibes that state GLCs purchasing the vaccines will absorb all costs.
He said the purchase also applies to any Sabah-based private firms, especially plantation giants, wishing to inoculate their workers.
“These large private companies can do this under their corporate social responsibility programme. They need not wait for free vaccines from the government.
“We are also aware that 80% of workers in Sabah plantations are migrants. The government will consider fully reopening (the sector) with 100% manpower if plantation companies immunise all their workers.”
He said Qhazanah Sabah has been appointed by Pharmaniaga Bhd as the vaccine sales agent for the state.
Pharmaniaga has facilities in Sabah capable of producing four million doses a month, he said.
“Any company that wishes to purchase their own vaccines can contact Qhazanah Sabah directly.”
Masidi said vaccine supply in Sabah is still adequate, with the state on track to receive 1.5 million doses later this month. – The Vibes, August 12, 2021
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