GEORGE TOWN – ProtectHealth Corporation is giving vaccine organisers at the Equatorial Hotel 24 hours to resolve multiple issues hampering its operations, failing which action will be taken.
State health committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin told The Vibes after communicating with a ProtectHealth spokesperson that as yesterday was their first day of operation, they will be given one day to rectify the issues stemming from poor management.
ProtectHealth Corporation is the company appointed by the government to manage the immunisation programme.
Norlela explained that during the Covid-19 Industrial Immunisation Program Public-Private Partnership programme in 2021, the administration of vaccines took place in the ballroom.
This time, however, booster jabs are not given in the ballroom to avoid high costs.
Those who went to the off-site PPV also complained of the high parking rates.
The published rate is RM5 for two hours, but because of the long wait to get booster shots, the accumulated amount seemed steep for the recipients.
The hotel has so far refused to reduce the rate despite negotiations with the organiser.
Yeoh Teng Chye, 65, who lives just a stone’s throw away from Equatorial Hotel, said that he planned to walk-in to get his booster jab, but changed his mind after seeing the long queue, which almost spilled over to the main road at Persiaran Bukit Jambul.
He then made a call to Sunshine Bertam in Kepala Batas – the original location for his booster shot stated by MySejahtera – to request if he could bring forward his booster jab.
Yeoh was urged to head over immediately to get his preferred AstraZeneca vaccine.
“When I reached, there were no lines. I just had to wait a little while because I was considered a walk-in.
“But with six to seven counters, I was out within 30 minutes.
I suggest that those who want to walk in call up the locations first before doing that, so that you know what vaccines are available and if there is a crowd at the location,” he told The Vibes.
Penang has 10 off-site PPVs. The locations and contact numbers are as follows:
Dewan Mentari, Sunshine Bertam (Seberang Prai Utara) - 017-4451057 and 017-5602029
Tapak Ekspo at Seberang Jaya (Seberang Prai Tengah) - 019-8379003 and 04-3331933
Flextronics at Seberang Prai (Seberang Prai Tengah) - 011-35429836
Dewan Serbaguna Taman Guar Perahu, Dewan Pintar (Seberang Prai Tengah) - 013-433 2462 and 019-820 8418
Dewan MPKK Bandar Cassia (Seberang Prai Selatan) - 011-5505 9836
Vervea Trade & Exhibition Centre (Seberang Prai Selatan) - 019-824 5373
Tapak Pesta Sg Nibong (Northeast District) - 011-1420 7470
Penang Youth Centre, Lebuh Acheh (Northeast District) - 012-2957295
Sunshine Banquet Hall (Southwest District) - 017-4808105
Hotel Equatorial Penang (Southwest District) - currently not available
According to Free Malaysia Today, ProtectHealth has halted all walk-ins for booster shots of the Covid-19 vaccine effective immediately yesterday.
The decision comes in the wake of long queues by those hoping to get their third shot without appointments at various vaccination centres in the Klang Valley.
However, no confirmation about this decision was made for Penang. – The Vibes, January 4, 2021
