[UPDATED] Your attitude’s the problem, Ismail Sabri tells anti-vaxxers

BERA – The government has no intention of causing hardship to the people, and the problems facing those who are against the Covid-19 vaccine are due to their own attitudes, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said Covid-19 vaccination, although not yet made mandatory, helps make life easier for those who have received the vaccine, such as for those who want to travel.

“Those who do not take the vaccine are making life difficult for themselves. It is not the government that is deliberately making it difficult. That is why I urge those who have not yet received the vaccine to do so, so they can also enjoy the facilities.

“Furthermore, as human beings, we have a responsibility to help protect others by reducing the risk of infection and reducing the severity of the effects of the disease if infected, by taking the Covid-19 vaccine,” he added.

Ismail Sabri said this at a press conference after attending the wearing of rank ceremony from deputy superintendent to superintendent for Bera police chief Mansor Samsudin at the district police headquarters here today.

The ceremony was conducted by Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani. Also promoted was Bera deputy police chief N. Kumaran, from assistant superintendent to deputy superintendent.

Yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin was reported to have said that the government will take a stern approach against those who refuse the vaccine by “continuing to impose various difficulties” on them.

According to the prime minister, the health minister in making the statement was referring to problems those who refuse the vaccine will continue to face as the condition for individuals to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 has not only been imposed by the Malaysian government, but also other quarters and countries.

“As in the case of only those who are fully vaccinated being allowed to perform umrah, and next year, to perform the haj. This is a condition set by the Saudi Arabian government, which of course makes it difficult for those who are not vaccinated,” he said.

When asked whether the condition in the new recruitment of civil servants would provide that candidates be fully vaccinated, Ismail Sabri said it is a good suggestion, but the matter needs to be thoroughly evaluated by the Public Service Department (PSD).

“It may be considered, but the PSD has to look into various aspects including legal. So far, action can only be taken against those who are already in the service as the deadline for civil servants to get the jab is November 1,” he added. – Bernama, October 17, 2021